History of the
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
Compiled and Written by Rufus L. Shealy
The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection had its beginning in May of 1947. The first meeting was held in Rosewood Grammar School cafeteria on June 1, 1947, with Lutheran Ministers of Columbia and members of the Home Mission Board in attendance. After a profile discussion, approval was given for the development of a Lutheran church in the Rosewood section of the City of Columbia. It was unanimously agreed to begin services at once and to secure a minister to conduct services on a regular basis.
The first service was held in Rosewood Grammar School, on June 1, 1947, with twenty-five (25) in attendance. On June 8, 1947, the Sunday School was organized.
Our Ministry began over 50 years ago...
Groundbreaking
And Continues...
On February 26, 1948, a congregational meeting was called with a total of sixteen (16) interested adults present. The work of the Home Missions Board, the United Lutheran Church and the responsibilities and obligations of the people toward a new church were pointed out and discussed. Discussion on the future plans for the development of the proposed church exhibited keen interest by those present. It was unanimously voted on to petition the Home Missions Board to purchase several lots at the corner of Moss Avenue and Prospect Street for the construction of a permanent church.
An organizational business meeting was held on Palm Sunday, March 21, 1948. Twenty-eight (28) pledged confirmed charter members were present. By secret ballot, the new congregation was named "Resurrection Lutheran Church", with one dissenting vote. The name was changed many years later to "The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection". This name was considered to be appropriate because it was the Easter season and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. The Constitution and the By-Laws, as amended, were discussed and adopted.
After what seemed endless months of preparation, a ground breaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 3, 1948. The first service in the new church was held on May 22, 1949, with 132 persons in attendance. The Service of Dedication was held on Sunday, June 19, 1949. In October 1952, the Woman's Missionary Society was organized and divided into three (3) groups. Also during this time the Luther League was organized. A new parish education wing was dedicated on Sunday, February 27, 1955, to the Glory and Honor or Almighty God.
A congregational meeting was held Sunday, March 31, 1974, to act on a recommendation by the Church Council to erect an educational building at the rear of the church property. The recommendation was approved and construction on a building of metal and brick was begun. On August 4, 1974, after Pastor Derrick had served for 23 years, the building was named the Derrick Building in his honor. A Dedication Service was held on Sunday, September 22, 1974.
In 1983, the members of Resurrection undertook the task of renovating the church entrance and sanctuary. The Congregation of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection dedicated its renovated sanctuary on June 26, 1983 at 11:00 am, Pastor Mike Sease was the presiding pastor. Dedicated originally on June 19, 1949, the worship space was renovated to include a new front entrance and narthex, enlarged chancel and choir area, faceted, stained-glass windows, and new chancel furnishings and appointments. The seating capacity was also increased.
In October 1984, work was begun to restore a 60 year old Moller pipe organ. This Moller organ was originally installed in 1926 in Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina. It had been stored at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship in Olympia Village.
Moving on to 1986, another big project was undertaken. Pastor Sease selected symbols from the Christian calendar to be needle pointed on twelve (12) kneelers that would surround the free-standing altar. (see Kneelers on Home Page)
In May 1991, "The Eugenia J. Smith Church Camp/Music Scholarship Trust Fund" was established. The purpose of this trust fund is to give financial aid to deserving Resurrection youth to attend church related camps.
PASTORS: The church has had nine (9) pastors in its history: Virgil A. Cameron (1949-1951); Joseph C. Derrick (1951-1978); Rufus E. Lybrand (1978-1982); Milas Y. Sease III (1983-1989); Robert W. Hawkins (1990-1992); H. Jefferson Wallace (1993-1997); Angela R. Ryan-Jennings (1998-2004); J. Harry Crout (Interim Pastor) 2005-2007); and Scott L. Holland (2007 - Present).
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