The sound of a church bell ringing in the cold morning air in December 18, 1859, inspired wonder and awe in the small group of Norwegian settlers who lived in Ephraim. On that snowy day, the Ephraim Moravian Church opened its doors and became the first church on the entire Door County peninsula. The church was founded by Reverend Andrew Iverson, an immigrant Moravian evangelist. Searching for a home for his small congregation, in February of 1853 he and two others walked north over the ice from Green Bay to the wilderness area that later became Ephraim.

Construction of the Ephraim Moravian Church began in 1857. Designed by Iverson, and built by him and the congregation, work was halted several times by lack of funds. When completed, the worshippers came by foot and sleigh from near and far and filled every seat at the two dedication services.

From the beginning, Ephraim Moravian Church has grown into an accepting, caring Christian congregation. The congregation is diverse, coming from all walks of life. In the summer, especially, we swell because of the number of visitors who take time to worship in this historic inspiring setting.