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This church was organized on July 10, 1853 under the name "Luther Chapel", (it's name was changed in 1897) in the old courthouse in Newberry by the Rev. Thaddeus Street Boinest. He later became president of the South Carolina Synod. The first Church building was completed and dedicated debt-free in December 1854. The impressive Gothic-style edifice was located on Boundary Street, facing north, opposite McKibben Street (now Nance Street). On the same lot was built the first parsonage in 1873, and it stood for almost 100 years until the widening of Nance Street required its demolition. In 1895, the congregation then numbering more than 300 members decided to relocate and purchased the present site bounded by Johnstone, Wilson, and Boundary Streets. The second Church building was completed in 1897, and the name was changed to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. The Annex for educational and social purposes was completed in 1924 and 1925. Baccalaureate Services and other functions of Newberry College were conducted in the Church and Annex from 1897 to 1964. The present church was erected in 1965. The Church bell of 1853 was retained and kept in storage until construction was completed. A Schantz pipe organ was installed the next year costing $30,000. The cornerstone was laid January 10, 1965. Julia M. Kibler published "The History of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Newberry, South Carolina, 1853-1964". Sons and daughters of this church who have been in full-time service include: Paul E. Scherer, W. C. Schaeffer, Jr., H. Brent Schaeffer, Mrs. Mary Lou Bowers Gray, Oscar Blackwelder, A. H. Boozer, William Peery, Gilbert Goodman, James Lee Shealy, Charles J. Shealy, Jr., A. D. Owens, H. A. Dunlap, A. J. Bowers, Sr., and John C. Peery. |
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