
St. James Lutheran Church was organized on March 11, 1890 under the leadership of "Supply Pastor" Rev. F.W.E. Peschau, D.D., Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wilmington, NC. It was at the home of Mr. J.F. Laughery that six dedicated members met and formed the first congregation in Sumter. In 1896, construction was completed on the original church building located on the corner of North Washington and Republican (now Hampton) Street. In 1940, the 50th Anniversary, an assembly hall, five class rooms, kitchen, rest rooms, and a pastor's study were added. An adjacent lot at the rear of the church property was purchased and on it the Sterling Stoudenmire Educational Building was built.
In the early 1970's, it became evident that in order fo r St. James Lutheran to carry on its' work in the community and continue its' growth, the congregation had to relocate. Property consisting of five acres on Alice Drive was purchased and construction of the new church complex began in 1976. The first Service in the new building was held Sunday, November 20, 1977, marking a new era in the life of the Congregation of St. James. The six charter members who organized the church in 1890 had faith and vision. We ask God's help and guidance as we go forward into a new millenium of service through this church.
St. James Lutheran has gained much from this community and continually strives to give back to the community through social ministry projects and participation in numerous local activities. One of her greatest contributions to the church at large are the eight young men who entered the ministry from this parish:
Alfred Wayne Howell |
George W. Kinnamon |
James R. Connelly, Jr. |
Haco Von Hacke |
Joseph W. Holt |
Lester H. Cutter, Jr. |
Charles William (Bill) Howell |
Benton Lutz |
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"And take...the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17) |
St. James Lutheran Mission Statement:
"Called by God,centered in the Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we rejoice in the Lord, Proclaim His gift of Grace through liturgical worship and service, and Share Christ's love and forgiveness in all we do."


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Founded |
1890 |
Vision |
We are one body, growing in faith, where all are welcome and Jesus is Lord. |
Pastor |
The Rev. Keith Getz |
Members |
137 Baptized; 130 Confirmed, 10 Sunday School attendees. Our average Sunday worship attendance is 81 members (2019). We are part of the Midlands Conference 6 of the South Carolina Synod (150+ congregations, 52,000 Baptized Members) and in Region 9 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with 3.4 million members, 65 Synods, 8 Seminaries, 26 affiliated colleges or universities and 9,091 congregations in the 50 states, Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands. |
Location |
1137 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 - (Get a map here) |
Services |
Interim Revised Sunday Worship at 9:00am & 11:00am; Adult Sunday School 9:45 am to 10:30 am; Children's SS Suspended UFN. See COVID-19 Updates in News Section
[Suspended: A Nursery is provided every Sunday from 9:45am to 12:00pm. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday morning service. A Communion Service is held every Wednesday at 12:00 noon]. Click here for our Visitor's Guide To Worship.
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Facilities |
Our facilities include the main Sanctuary, an educational wing, Fellowship Hall, and a comprehensive Library. Plenty of parking, too. |
Handicap
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Yes, wheelchair accessible. |
Trend
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Membership & ministries growing, facilities recently expanded. |
Programs |
We offer dozens of different ways you can get involved in our faith community. We have activities to suit every preference and a variety of interests. We invite you to learn more about these opportunities to serve others under the PROGRAMS tab above. |
The Web |
Please bookmark our website stjamessumter.org for all the current information, program activities, newsletter, and monthly events calendar for St. James Lutheran. |
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