Memorial Service

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 20 at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Central Moravian Church.

President’s Message

Dear Moravian Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Pastor Hopeton Clennon. Pastor Clennon was an integral part of our community, making significant contributions to Moravian University, Central Moravian Church, and the Bethlehem community as a whole.

Pastor Clennon’s unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership, and profound impact on the lives of many will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service that will continue to inspire us all.

During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Pastor Clennon’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Their grief is immeasurable, and your support and condolences will undoubtedly provide comfort in this challenging moment.

Details about memorial services and ways to honor Pastor Clennon’s memory will be shared as soon as they become available. In the meantime, we encourage you to reflect on the positive influence Pastor Clennon had on our community and share your cherished memories with one another.

Let us come together as a community to support one another and celebrate the life of Pastor Hopeton Clennon.

With a heavy heart,
Bryon

Statement from Central Moravian Church

Our Deepest Sympathy

Through our tears and yet with hope, we share this news with our congregation. The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon entered the more immediate presence of God January 7, at 12 p.m. Surrounded by his family, they shared that he was at peace as he passed. Our hearts are grieving for a pastor, a bishop, a friend, and a person bigger than any words can describe him. And yet—we do not despair—knowing that the God of this life and the life to come walks in our valleys of grief, until we are welcomed home.

40 Years of Faithful Service

Central Moravian Church celebrated the Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination on Sunday, June 4, 2023, with a worship service. The Rt. Rev. Clennon was ordained as a deacon at Salem Moravian Church in Beeston Spring, Westmoreland, Jamaica, on June 19, 1983, with Bishop S. U. Hastings and Bishop N. S. Neil presiding. In January 2023, Central Moravian Church enjoyed the milestone of having Rt. Rev. Clennon serve the congregation for 10 years. Celebrating an Anniversary of Ordination is a life affirming opportunity to thank God for the blessings shared in the service of the Lord.

Biographical Information

Bishop Hopeton Clennon was installed as senior pastor in January 2013. Born in Jamaica, he is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and the United Theological College of the West Indies. After ordination in 1983, Clennon served the Jamaica Province of the Moravian Church before migrating to the United States in 1989. In the Northern Province, he served as pastor of Faith Moravian Church in Washington, D.C., Schoeneck Moravian Church in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and the Moravian Church of Downey, near Los Angeles. In 1998, Clennon was consecrated as the 320th bishop of the worldwide Moravian Unity. Immediately before joining the pastoral staff at Central, he was Chaplain of Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary.

  • Seminary Trustee: July 2021 until his passing & 1994–2009
  • Former Chaplain at Moravian College & Theological Seminary: 2009–2013
  • College Trustee: 1998–1999