July 2026
A Note From Pastor Scott:
Since our nation has reached its 250-th anniversary, I thought I would write about our Lutheran contribution to the nation’s history as it relates to South Carolina.
Beginning at about the same time as the City of Charleston, a Danish community formed on James Island near what became the downtown area of Charleston. This community did not survive long, but these were the first Lutherans in the state.
During the first half of the 18th Century, Germans came into the Charleston area to work with the formation of the new colony. And, by 1734, a worshiping community of Lutherans had formed in Charleston without any organizational structure.
In 1742, Frederick Muhlenburg was sent by Lutherans in Halle, Germany to begin congregations in America. He had intended to land in Philadelphia but his ship went off course during the journey and he landed in Charleston instead. Noting a community of Lutherans in Charleston, he began St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church (which exists to this day). Then, he went to Savannah and with another group of Germans in that city began Lutheran Church of the Ascension (also in existence to this day.)
While this history may still be news in Philadelphia, both churches have sufficient documentation of their beginnings. Muhlenberg went on to found a number of churches in Pennsylvania and in 1748, began the Ministerium of Pennsylvania as the first Lutheran Synod.
While it is difficult to encapsulate the early Lutheran history into a few sentences, the German influence in the colonies was certainly profound. Benjamin Franklin even asserted that the national language should be German instead of English, but his idea never took root. Muhlenberg was not only the father of the Lutheran Church in the United States. His son, Peter, was the first Speaker of the House of Representatives. In other words, the Lutheran impact on the history of the country is not only historic, but Lutherans have helped to shape the dynamic of our country in many ways.
As a country, we give thanks for many things. One of the great gifts of our founders is the gift of free religious practice. This is really an important part of our lives. And, we will offer prayers of Thanksgiving for the many gifts God has provided to us as people living here in the United States. Truly God has shaped our lives as we have enjoyed the benefits of being citizens of this country.
Happy 4th of July! Happy 250! Truly, all of us are blessed not only by our history but also by all of the gifts our Lord provides!
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Scott