About the Collection
Since its conception, St. Matthew’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church (SMLC) has served the needs of others in the local community and throughout the world. From 1940 through 1966, SMLC and the four other local Lutheran churches hosted the Lutheran Service Center for the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, and SMLC was one of two churches to serve as a Casualty Station in case of a great emergency. The American Red Cross occupied a room, and many SMLC female members participated in this organization. The Ladies Aid Society scheduled a Sunday dinner with congregation members for the enlisted men and women. The St. Matthew’s Wartime Outreach, 1940-1966 collection features church service bulletins; photographs of church members, local leaders, and members of the Armed Forces; and newspaper articles.
