Honoring Five Revolutionary Patriots in Lovettsville

Grave Marking Ceremony at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church

Lovettsville, VA — November 2, 2025 On a beautiful autumn day, more than 60 SAR compatriots, DAR members, and guests gathered at the historic New Jerusalem Lutheran Church to honor five Revolutionary War patriots interred in its cemetery. The event was hosted by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter (Virginia SAR), Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter (Virginia SAR), and Sergeant Lawrence Everhart Chapter (Maryland SAR).

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from chapter presidents David L. Peters, Barry Schwoerers, and Michael Moore, who emphasized the shared commitment to remembrance. Peters spoke of the “moral imperative” and “sacred obligation” to honor our Patriot ancestors through grave markings—a mission central to SAR’s purpose.

(Video by Warner Workman, Sgt Major John Champe Chapter SAR)

James Cordes, Color Guard Commander, led the presentation of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by David Peters, the SAR Pledge led by Hon. Jon Ryder, and greetings from Darrin Schmidt, 1st Vice President Virginia SAR, and Ken Bonner, Jr., 2nd Vice President Virginia SAR.

Michael P. Zapf offered a compelling history of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, founded 260 years ago, highlighting its enduring role in the community and its connection to early American life.

Ed Spannaus, Past President of the Sgt Lawrence Everhart Chapter, delivered a roll call of the five honored patriots interred at the cemetery (SAR Cemetery C-0069606), sharing their contributions to the American Revolution:

• Frederick Boger (1752–1791)

• John Andrew Roller (1730–1802)

• Christian Ruse (1746–1821)

• Jacob Smith (1743–1805)

• John Schmidt (1756–1793)

Dave Cook and David Huxsoll led the unveiling squad, revealing the newly placed grave markers that now stand as lasting tributes to these patriots’ service.

Forrest Crain, Past President of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter, coordinated the wreath presentations from multiple SAR and DAR chapters, including:

• Virginia Society SAR
• German Society SAR
• Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter SAR
• Fairfax Resolves Chapter SAR
• Sergeant Lawrence Everhart Chapter SAR
• George Mason Chapter SAR 
• George Washington Chapter SAR
• Culpeper Minute Men Chapter SAR
• Lanes Mill Chapter NSDAR
• Ketocin Chapter, NSDAR
• Fairfax County Chapter, NSDAR
• Elizabeth McIntosh Hamill Chapter, NSDAR

The Virginia SAR Color Guard then conducted a powerful three-volley musket salute, echoing through the churchyard in honor of the fallen.

 
(Video by David Harrity, George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR)

David Peters presented special recognition certificates to members who made the event possible, acknowledging the teamwork and dedication behind the ceremony’s success.

The SAR Recessional was led by Chad Sorrells, Secretary of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter, followed by a Benediction from Rev. Josh Wullenweber, and closing remarks from David Peters.

Photos and video from the event—including the musket salute, wreath presentations, and unveiling—will be archived and shared to commemorate this meaningful day of remembrance.