New Ebenezer
Salzburger Lutheran colony - oldest Lutheran church in America
State: Georgia
County: Effingham County
Founded: 1736
Abandoned: 1850s
New Ebenezer was founded by Salzburg Lutherans fleeing religious persecution—they built the oldest Lutheran church in America. The Georgia colony prospered until the Civil War destroyed it. The 1769 Jerusalem Church still stands amid the ruins.
Quick Facts
- Oldest Lutheran church in America (1769)
- Founded by Salzburg religious refugees
- Once produced silk for colony
- Church still holds services
Location
Address: Effingham County, Georgia
Coordinates: 32.4236, -81.3917