St. Matthew's Lutheran Church

Group Tours » Charleston – Bus Tours, Educational Tours, Christian Tours & Family Reunions » Charleston Christian Tours » St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church was originally founded by German-speaking residents of the port city of Charleston, SC who wanted to worship in their native tongue. Its founder, Johann Andreas Wagener, wanted to establish an ecumenical church for all German-speaking congregations in the city. The plan failed and eventually the church was established under a German Lutheran congregation.

The current church was built in 1868 when the congregation outgrew their first site. The structure was designed by Irish architect John Henry Devereux in the Gothic revival style. he new church was dedicated in 1872 with elaborate ceremonies and 3000 persons in attendance. In 1883, the church began to hold services in both German and English.

Interesting Facts About the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

The steeple of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church at 255 feet (78 m), was the tallest structure in South Carolina until 1973 when the Tower at 1301 Gervais was completed.
The congregation’s founder became a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army and served as the Commandant of Charleston until the evacuation of the city in February 1865 and was elected mayor of the city of Charleston in 1871.
Some of the most notable features of the church building are its stained glass windows including two full-length windows of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon.
During the first World War when anti-German sentiments was high, the church has to end its German services.
The church’s Sunday school also hosted joint services for members of the US armed forces stationed in Charleston during World War II. A program of singing, entertainment, and a social hour were held each Sunday evening to heightened the troops and residents’ morale during these though times.

Request@GroupToursUSA.com

Call Toll-Free: 888.796.8763