The Rev. Christine Sobania Johnson has served as an ordained minister in the Moravian Church since 1988 and as the pastor of College Hill since December 2019. Pastor Chris previously served congregations in Wisconsin (her homeland), Ohio, and Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (B.A. in English with a minor in music) and Moravian Theological Seminary (M.Div.), it's no surprise that she enjoys offering fresh expressions of faith through the creative arts. Chris is married to The Rev. Darrell Johnson, also an ordained minister serving the Palmyra Moravian Church in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Their adult sons Andrew (married to Ashley) and Dan live in Ohio and Minnesota, respectively.
About us
Welcome!
I’m delighted by your interest in College Hill Moravian Church.
I hope you find no barriers to feeling included in the life of our congregation. We are inspired and motivated by the limitless love of Jesus Christ and we hope your encounters with us reflect that. We seek to be a caring, vibrant, and relevant bunch, always growing in our discipleship.
We’d be pleased for you to join us!
Pastor Chris Johnson
Our Story
College Hill Moravian Church started out as a community Sunday School. Known initially as the Laurel Street Chapel, College Hill began its service to the northern constituency of Central Moravian Church in 1887 when its first structure was erected on Laurel Street between Main and New Streets.
The Moravian Story
Unitas Fratrum is the official name of the Moravian Church. The Worldwide Moravian Church consists of Unity Provinces, Mission Provinces, Mission Areas and certain areas of work which are the responsibility of the Moravian Unity as a whole.
2024 Congregational Watchword
“The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows abundantly will also reap abundantly.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
Music
Music has always been seen as a necessity of life, not as a luxury. Moravians have always used their music to express their faith, to communicate their faith, and to enjoy each other’s company, and continue to do so today. The musical heritage of the Moravians is a living tradition that is still evolving.
Our Leadership Team
Gwyneth "Gwyn" Michel, Director of Music, has been the organist and choir director at College Hill since 2008. Gwyn served as assistant director at the Moravian Music Foundation, Bethlehem office, for 15 years from 2007 until retiring in August 2022. She is a graduate of Moravian College (bachelor’s degree: Music Education) and Westminster Choir College (master’s degree: Church Music). A veteran of 30 years in the music industry, she was in charge of the church music divisions of Shawnee Press, Belwin Mills, and Warner Bros. Publications. Her responsibilities at Warner Bros. included the retention and expansion of the esteemed H.W. Gray catalog, home to some of the earliest and most beloved Moravian Music editions.
Administrative Staff
Office Coordinator, Kelly Schmidt
Treasurer, Susy Rundle
Custodian, Rodney Rothrock
Leadership Boards
The Board of Elders is responsible for the spiritual life and outreach of the Congregation.
Pastor Christine Johnson, (Chair, Ex-officio)
Judy Becker (Secretary)
Nancy Beitel-Vessels
David Danneberger
Amy DeLong
Terri Harney
Kristel Seagreaves
Linda Toggart (Vice-Chair)
Sue Youtz
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the care and maintenance of the physical assets of the Congregation and handles most of the financial affairs of the Congregation.
Alan Bosch (Vice-President)
Gayle Brinker
Bill Derby
Cory Dieterly [Secretary]
Bobbi James (President)
Barbara Killar
Ron Penrose (Property Chair)
Susy Rundle (Treasurer)
Jim Seagreaves