Category Archives: New Ebenezer GA

Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 1769, New Ebenezer

historic jerusalem lutheran church oldest church in georgia photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

Also known as Ebenezer or New Ebenezer, Jerusalem Lutheran Church is the oldest public building and the oldest church in Georgia. It is also the oldest Lutheran church in use in the United States. Amy Willis wrote: “What a piece of history! My fifth great- grandfather was married here in 1769! John Cutler Braddock and his bride Lucia Cook. Thanks for keeping this history alive! I can’t wait to visit the church myself one day!

historic jerusalem lutheran church sanctuary photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2009

In 1779, British forces captured Ebenezer and during this time the church was used as a hospital and stable. After the British were driven out, the Georgia Legislature met here on 3-4 July 1782. Many thanks are due Reverend John Barichivich for inviting me into this holy and beautiful space, and for taking time out of his day to share some of its fascinating history.

National Register of Historic Places

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Boltzius Memorial, New Ebenezer

johann-martin-boltzius-memorial-new-ebenezer-ga-photograph-copyright-brian-brown-vanishing-south-georgia-usa-2009

Johann Martin Boltzius (Bolzius) (1703-1765) served as pastor of the Salzburger Lutheran congregation at New Ebenezer from 1735 until 1765 and was largely responsible for its success. Boltzius was a vocal opponent of slavery. Much more background on this Georgia pioneer can be found at the New Georgia Encyclopedia.