One of the main objectives of my ramble through Effingham County yesterday was to photograph this church, which I think is one of the most unique in the area. I’d normally be annoyed that there were cars or other intrusions in my quest for a photograph, but I was very glad to see this work being done. And you can just imagine, from this perspective in the shade of an enormous oak beside the adjacent Helmey Cemetery, that it’s a beautiful spot. If not the founders of the congregation, Joseph Israel Helmey (1843-1914) or his son Kollock Israel Helmey (1868-1949), were instrumental in its establishment. The fact that the cemetery bears their name is evidence of that fact. The Helmey family dates back to at least 1800 in Effingham County.

Miller Chapel was a “daughter” congregation of Zion Lutheran Church, established in 1888, after Zion had become independent of Jerusalem Church in 1872. After the Miller Chapel congregation was dissolved, it served as the home of Berea Southern Methodist Church. A new sign indicates that Zion is responsible for the restoration and that it will once again be a Lutheran congregation. The Salzburger Lutherans of Effingham County are among the earliest settlers of Georgia.

This structure was built circa 1904. The twin pyramidal steeples are its most impressive architectural feature. It’s great to see boards being replaced, a new roof, and window panes being properly repaired instead of being replaced. I hope this suggests that they will not be adding vinyl siding to the building.