ST. MATTHEWS GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Charleston, SC

The congregation was founded by Johann Wagener, a Confederate General and later a mayor of the city, and other citizens wishing to worship in their native German language. Their first church was built on another site in 1841. In the church’s early years, a Yellow Fever pandemic ravaged the town, with the congregation losing 308 members to the disease in 1858. In 1868, the church purchased its present site, and contracted the Irishborn architect John Henry Devereux to design a Gothic revival sanctuary. The church was dedicated in 1872 with 3,000 persons present. The church is most recognizable for the height of its steeple, which at 255 feet was the tallest building in the state when built. The vertical character of the design is inspiring, as if reaching a hand to heaven. It remains the tallest church steeple in the state. The spire was originally topped by a wrought iron finial made by Germanborn Christopher Werner. The finial was destroyed in the cyclone of 1885 and not replaced. The nave is 100 feet long by 56 feet wide and the vaulted ceiling rises 72 feet above the box pews. The interior is white and the exterior is plastered in medium red stucco. St. Matthew's is a contributing building in the Charleston National Historic Landmark District.

In 1965, a light bulb in the church ignited some paint, and flames engulfed the church’s roof. Heavy winds spread the fire to the steeple, which toppled directly in front of the church, impaling 18 feet into the ground. A new steeple was built, but remnants of the fallen steeple are visible today as a memorial of the tragic event. The steeple was again damaged in 1989 by Hurricane Hugo, but was again rebuilt to as it stands today.

The sketch was done during our first get-out-of-town after months of COVID virus lockdown. Everyone in town during our visit was doing their part to prevent transmission. A viral déjà vu? It was our first stay at the Bennett hotel, which clearly lived up to it’s hype – a unique experience in luxury hospitality.