Church History

Jerusalem Lutheran Church
1797 - 2001 In 1797, two religious denominations of people called the German Lutheran and Presbyterian Congregation purchased 52 perches of land, known as Halls Range, from Joseph Mathias for the purpose of establishing a church, a house of worship.

Religious services were celebrated in an adjoining schoolhouse for several years until the church structure could be built.

The original church building was a log structure and bore the inscription "Jerusalem's Gemeinschaeftliche Kirch-Gebaurt in yahr 1797, und verfertigh in 1811" (translated to "Jerusalem's Community Church" and dates of start and completion of construction).

At a later date, the Presbyterian Congregation became the Reformed Congregation. The two congregations jointly shared the building and maintenance of the property.

Religious services were conducted by the two groups on alternate Sundays. However, the Sunday School was a joint endeavor. The earliest records were handwritten in German. The circuit-rider pastors were the only source of clergy for the small county churches, and communion was celebrated only two or three times a year at the convenience of these circuit pastors. Jerusalem (also known as Bowers of Bachmans Valley), Lazarus of Lineboro and Immanuel of Manchester composed the Manchester Charge. In 1919, Immanuel Congregation commissioned a pastor of its own.
Jerusalem and Lazarus Churches joined for the newly formed North Carroll Charge of the Maryland Synod and the Lutheran and Reformed Congregation continued their partnership.

In 1969, the members of the Reformed Congregation moved to join St. Benjamins Kriders Congregation and the Lutheran Congregation assumed full responsibility.

In 1996, the Jerusalem Lutheran Church congregation voted to become a single church unit and is no longer a member of the North Carroll Charge.

With God's help, this church will continue to be a "beacon on the hill" for the family members as well as the growing surrounding community of Bachmans Valley.