The Oldest Building in Georgia Is More Than 254 Years Old

General James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia and helped settle the Salzburgers in what would become the city of New Ebenezer and the location of the state’s oldest church. Keep reading to learn more about the oldest building in Georgia, what makes it unique, and some of the best places to stop along the way.  

What Is the Oldest Building in Georgia?

The oldest building in Georgia is the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church. It’s located near Rincon, Georgia, in the ghost town New Ebenezer of Effingham County. Although the oldest house in Georgia is the 280-year-old Horton House, the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran is the state’s oldest public building and church. The historic building is close to the Savannah River bank and the Georgia-South Carolina state line, about 30 miles north of Savannah.   

History of the Oldest Building in Georgia

The oldest building in Georgia has a long history that spans centuries and oceans, too. The Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church congregation was organized in Augsburg, Germany, in 1733. The group was led by Reverend John Martin Bolzius and Revered Israel Christian Gronau, who served as pastors.

The group was exiled from their homes in Salzburg, Austria, so they needed a safe place to live and worship. The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge based in England sponsored their voyage to the United States. They landed near Savannah in March 1734 and were brought to Ebenezer by General Oglethorpe. After an unsuccessful run at the original site, the group settled further down Ebenezer Creek, where it meets the Savannah River, calling it New Ebenezer. 

The settlers succeeded in the new location, prompting them to build the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Construction lasted from 1767 to 1769, making the oldest building in Georgia over 254 years old. Handmade bricks created with local clay make up the 21-inch thick building walls. A few of the original glass window panes remain.  

New Ebenezer’s success abruptly ended in 1778 when the Revolutionary War brought British soldiers to the town. The Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church housed British soldiers during the invasion, and the rest of the town was destroyed. Unfortunately, it never recovered. The church, its cemetery, a home from 1755, the Old Parsonage from 1835, and the popular Georgia Salzburger Museum are all that remain.

Can You Visit the Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church?

Yes, you can still visit the Jerusalem Lutheran Church. Despite New Ebenezer’s abandonment in 1855, services are still regularly held inside the church. In fact, many of the congregation members are descendants of the original Salzburgers. What’s more, two of the oldest church bells in Georgia were brought to New Ebenezer in 1749 and 1752. They ring before every service.

Places to Visit Near the Oldest Building in Georgia

Georgia Salzburger Society Museum

The research library and living history museum managed by The Society educates visitors on the history of the Georgia Salzburgers. Visitors can tour the Georgia Salzburger Society Museum to learn about the area’s exciting history and enjoy the greenery along the river.    

Backwater Expeditions

Explore the area near the oldest building in Georgia by kayaking with Backwater Expeditions. Take a day tour to see the birds and the cypress trees along Ebenezer Creek. Or enjoy a peaceful paddle down the creek under the moonlight on a night tour. Either way, you’ll learn about Ebenezer Creek’s historical role in the success of the surrounding towns.

Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours

Every foodie knows the best way to explore a new place is through food. The Savannah food tours take hungry visitors for a 1.5-mile trip through Savannah’s historic Squares for some of the city’s best eats. You’ll learn more about Savannah’s history and go home with a full belly.