Five Patriots of the American Revolution Honored at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church

New Jerusalem Lutheran Church cemetery in Lovettsville, VA is the final resting place for thirty-three (33) known Patriots of the American Revolution. Ten Patriots have been recognized in previous ceremonies. On Sunday, November 2, five Patriots were honored with the placement of small granite markers simply stating "SAR Patriot". The Patriots honored were: Frederick Boger, John Andrew Roller, Christian Ruse, Jacob Smith, and John Schmidt. Each of the Patriots were of German descent, expected for the town of Lovettsville known as the German Settlement. A monument to all 33 known Patriots has been ordered and will be dedicated when received and installed.

The ceremony was jointly conducted by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter, the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, and the Sgt Lawrence Everhart Chapter Maryland SAR. Fairfax Resolves Chapter President David Peters was the Master of Ceremonies. Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter President Barry Schwoerer. signaled five SAR members to remove the covers from the Patriot markers placed at the grave of each Patriot honored. Compatriot Schwoerer also participated in the three-shot musket volley. Ed Spannaus, former President of the Lawrence Everhart Chapter in Maryland, and a resident of Lovettsville conducted research establishing the Patriot status of each man honored, located their graves and gave short biographical sketches of each Patriot.

A large contingent of Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution attended and participated. Sixteen wreaths were presented honoring the five Patriots. Nine SAR wreaths were presented: The VIrginia Society, the German Society SAR, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, Sgt Lawrence Everhart Charpter MD SAR, George Mason Chapter, Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, George Washington Chapter and the Col James Wood II Chapter. Seven Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented wreaths.

Twelve men fired a three-shot volley in the musket squad commanded by Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter Vice President Mark Sink.