200 Years
of Mission & MIlestones
An Introduction to the 200th anniversary year of the south carolina synod
If you read the Minutes of the South Carolina Synod for its founding year in 1824, you quickly realize two things:
- The fledgling Synod of South Carolina and Adjacent States came into existence with few resources and
- While the beginning of an organization for the Synod occurred during at the beginning of the year, Synod did not fully exist as an ecclesiastical entity until December of that year.
In fact, the history of the South Carolina Synod includes many milestones relating to the history of the Lutheran Church in the United States. And, while this history includes significant controversies, it also includes many developments that took root in the wider mission of the Lutheran Church in this country too.
This year, we look forward to celebrating this history together. All of our congregations in the South Carolina Synod share in the stories we will share. Many of you are descendants of notable people in the history of the Synod too. We hope that our celebration of two centuries of ministry will inspire you as leaders and members of congregations. And we pray that God will continue to bless and guide us as we serve into the future God provides.
Stories
Walking Together: 200 Years of Mission and Milestones
By The Rev. Lisa Isenhower In a video celebrating two centuries of ministry in the South Carolina Synod, The Rev. Dr. James Aull (1988-96), the Rev. Dr. David Donges (1996-2008), the Rev. Dr. Herman Yoos (2008-2020) and Rev....
200th Anniversary video to be released at Synod Assembly
Here is a teaser trailer for the historic video bringing together all the bishops of South Carolina since the dawning moments of the ELCA. We see in these interviews, the culmination of decades of ministry in our synod…
A Mission & Milestones Moment: women’s missionary societies
During this Women’s History Month, Dr. Susan McArver shares about the history of the Women’s Missionary Societies in South Carolina.
A Mission & Milestones Moment: The Real Reason for the unusual name of Women’s Memorial Church
During this Women’s History Month, Judy Lybrand of St. John’s, Spartanburg takes a look at the history of Women’s Memorial Church.
A Mission & Milestones Moment: Ladies Sewing society
Two centuries ago, in 1825, the ladies of St John’s formed the Female Society of St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church to offer financial support to worthy young men in their preparation for the Christian Ministry in the Lutheran Church. The ladies raised funds by gathering donations and selling hand-stitched garments.
Looking from African-American leaders toward women leaders
By The Rev. Mark Scott As we began the journey of celebrating two centuries in the South Carolina Synod, several issues became clear: The South Carolina Synod organized with few resources. And, The South Carolina Synod faced many early uncertainties. Over the...
Mission Partners
This is Christ’s Church. There is a place for you here.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person–questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.
Contact Information
ELCA South Carolina Synod
1003 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone 803-765-0590
Fax 803-252-5558
Looking for Something?
Related Organizations
James R. Crumley, Jr., Archives (ELCA Archives)
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
NovusWay (Lutheridge+Lutherock+Luther Springs+Lutheranch)
South Carolina Lutheran Church Youth
South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission
