| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
The Choir Houses
Each "choir" is led by an Elder, and it is perhaps here that we can find an explanation for the use of the word taken from its musical context. A choir is a union of different voices arranged in a way which gives harmony under a single person's leadership. There was talk of a spiritual concord within the "Choir Houses". With the exception of children and spouses, each "choir" had its own house. "The Brothers' House" as the first to be built, was completed in 1774 when 20 "brothers" moved in. Both the "brothers'" and "sisters'" houses functioned as "Choir Houses", being led by the "brothers" and "sisters" of the church respectively. The "Choir Houses" had a degree of economic independence. Both "Choir Houses" were originally equipped with 3 large rooms: choir room or church room, dormitory and dining area also used by those not residing in the house. The everyday rooms which lay along the wide, light corridors were rooms for working and living in. The brethren were craftsmen, most of them employed by the "Choir House's" leaders. The "Sisters' House" functioned as an integrated factory, where the "sisters" spun, wove, sewed et cetera. On January 5, 1986 a fierce fire broke out in "The Brothers' House". Despite the rapid intervention of 3 voluntary fire-brigades, the whole of the west wing was burnt out, while only the loft and first floor were damaged in the wing looking out onto Lindegade. Today the "Brothers' House" is home for 3 businesses: editing of the weekly newspaper « The Challenger, the Honey Cake Cafe, and a hairdressing salon. The remainder of the large buildings contains modern flats which are rented out. Today, in the "Sisters' House", the publishers Savanne have their premises, together with the administrative departments of the following Foreign Missionary organisations: The Moravian- Danish Mission, The Sudan Mission, The Danish - Ethiopian Mission, The Danish-Israeli Mission, The Danish Mission Organisation, The Danish-Santal Mission and the Church of Denmark's Mission. In addition, there are several dwellings and workshops. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
