The nucleus of this congregation had been gathered by Rev. Peter Koch and Rev. Mueller, pastors of the German Reformed Church, the former of whom preached in the vicinity as early as the year 1832. Lutheran pastors, belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio, also preached for these German residents, but not frequently enough to be called regular pastors. Rev. Koch held stated services here, in a barn on the farm of Jacob Hilliard (now Austin Meal's) in the summer time, and in the private homes of the people during winter season.

About the year 1838, according to tradition, the German Reformed and Associate Reformed united in the work of building a house of worship that was know as "Mt Varnum

It was called Mt Varnum because of its location on a high hill of the farm of Enoch Varnum a member of the Reformed Congregation.

In the minutes of the second meeting of the Pittsburgh Synod this church is incorrectly referred to as Mt. Vernon. It is easy to see how the mistake occurred. At the time the building of this church, the agreement was, that the German Reformed should have use of the building one fourth of the time, and the Associated Reformed the remaining three-fourths. This agrrangement continued in force until a language dispute arose between Rev. Mueller and his congregation, the former contending that nothing but German should be preached in the church, and the later demanding an occasional English sermon.

The contention soon became so sharp that the pastor was dismissed and services of Rev. Elihu Rathbun, a Lutheran pastor, were secured. Rev. Rathbun's served those in Mercer county, preacing the English language.

But now then, the question arose as to weather Rev. Rathbun's congregation was Lutheran or Reformed, and the Associate Reformed people said that they had become Lutherans and were no longer entitled to any share in the church property. So the doors were locked, and the congregation found themselves without a house of worship.

According to the recollections of the oldest members, a little quiet persuasion was then used with the Associated Reformed congregation, and the Lutherans were allowed to use Mount Varnum church until their own house of worship in North Washington was complete.

This church was built in 1848, and dedicated February 9, 1849. correspondent of "The Missionary" tells us all about it, in the March number of 1849.

Writing under date of February 19, 1849 he says:

Our conference met in North Washington, Butler Co. Pa., on the 7th of this month. On the 9th the new Evangeical Lutheran church in this village was consecrated to worship of Almighty God, under the name of Jerusalem church, Rev. Bassler preaching the dedicatory sermon.

The collection and subscriptions for the liquidation of the debt, remaining on the building, amounted to $120.00. The church is in charge of Rev. Eli Fair, and is a neat, commodious edifice of frame.

The congregation was organized by Father Rathbun a few years ago, and is increasing in numbers, and poety, activity, and inteligence of its members.

For many long years, out brethren were as sheep with out a shepherd, hearing a sermon from a Lutheran minister, as one of them told us, ' about once in nine years .' They neverthless continued firm, and now God has given them a tabernacle of their own, a respectable congregation, and a pastor."