Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Wake Forest Baptist Health Lights Moravian Star During Pandemic

The Wake Forest Baptist Health Moravian star. Image courtesy: Wake Forest Baptist Health

There's a new yet familiar guiding light in the Winston-Salem sky. Wake Forest Baptist Health has brought out its Moravian Star again in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The star is 31 feet tall and weighs over 3,000 pounds. It normally appears atop Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in the season of Advent.

The decision to bring it out again comes as health care systems across the United States cope with the spread of COVID-19. Keith Stirewalt, the program director of FaithHealth Clinical Ministries says it's an extraordinary sign in an extraordinary time.

“That star is a symbol of hope and love, but it's also a symbol of a promise of reconciliation and peace,” he says.  

Community members have been lighting their own stars in neighborhoods throughout the city.

“It reminds us of our perseverance in a time that might otherwise seem so dark.”

Wake Forest Baptist's star went up last Friday and will remain lit while Winston-Salem's stay-at-home order is in effect. 

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing. 

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate