Rick Johnson does not take his role in the church lightly. Aside from teaching his parishioners about how to have a relationship with God, he is mindful that he is fortunate to play a role in history every time he steps into the pulpit.
Johnson is pastor of Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, home to the oldest, active Lutheran congregation in the U.S. The church is part of the Ebenezer community, one steeped in history.
Thursday night, Effingham County took a major step to preserve as much of that history as possible. Effingham County Development Services hosted a meeting where residents proposed steps they feel should be taken to protect this historic community.
Some of the recommendations including limiting the use of impervious surfaces, expanding buffer requirements, signage and lighting restrictions, barring the clear cutting of trees and more.
“Right now, this is the legwork,” said Commissioner Phil Keifer. “This is laying the groundwork to put a document before the board.”