A letter from attorney Carl E. Renken to T.T. Mappus, Jr., Treasurer of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, referencing a Deed from Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company. Renken requests payment from the church for services rendered.
A survey of land the German Evangelical Lutheran Church sold to the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company. The tract of land in question is outlined in yellow marker.
Notarized document detailing St. Matthew's Lutheran Church mortgage holder Thomas E. Miller's extension of the time and payment of a $15,000 bond by the church for ten years, reducing interest to 4.5% and setting a minimum payment against the principle at $3,000.
Petition submitted to Charleston County Probate Court by J. Frederick Knobeloch, represented by attorney William H. Harty, stating that Knobeloch has legally executed Sophie H. Nagel's last will and testament, and that the amount left over after making the payments itemized in an included list of receipts and disbursements, $2,654.22, is to go to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. An accompanying court order sets a hearing date for the final settlement.
Letter to the "gentlemen" of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church from Thomas E. Miller indicating a reduction in interest on mortgage payments to 5% for the span of a year, from January 12, 1934 to January 12, 1935.
Letter to J. Frederick Knobeloch from attorney J.D.E. Meyer, enclosing a letter from Thomas E. Miller which reduces the interest on St. Matthew's Lutheran Church's mortgage payments for the span of a year, from January 12, 1934 to January 12, 1935.
Document detailing Thomas E. Miller's release of a lien on a portion of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church's property after their payment of $19,000, signed by the church's Chairman of the Vestry J. Henry Dreyer. The mortgage on the rest of the church is to remain in full effect.
Letter to J. Frederick Knobeloch from attorney J.D.E. Meyer indicating that the document that releases St. Matthew's Lutheran Church from mortgage by Thomas E. Miller is enclosed. The attorney indicates that Knobeloch or his successors will have to execute the final agreement and that the document should be kept in the church treasurer's records.
A document conveying a tract of land to the German Evangelical Church. The land was sold to the church by the "Memorial Association consisting of The German Artillery Companies A and B, The German Volunteers of the Hampton Legion and the German Hussars." The document explains that the Memorial Association had abandoned the property sometime prior to their decision to sell it to the church.
Title from Thomas E. Miller of Philadelphia granting St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and "its successors and ensigns, absolutely and forever" the property it resides on for $64,000. Also defines the physical parameters of the lot and the realtors involved in its sales history.
Bond document detailing Thomas E. Miller's agreement to pay back William Von Glahn the sum of $2,400, and sets interest, payment deadlines and minimums against the principle. Mortgage to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church is included, with details on back indicating a release of the lien on the property. Handwritten note by Von Glahn across the document indicates the debt was "finally satisfied" on July 12, 1928.
A program about the services for the reopening of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Paster H.B. Schaeffer on Sunday, December 6th, 1925. The eighty-fifth anniversary of the organization of the congregation dated from December 3, 1840 to December 6, 1925.
Bond document detailing Thomas E. Miller's agreement to pay back William Von Glahn the "penal sum" of $12,000, including interest, deadlines, and minimum payments against the principle. Also included is the property deed to St. Matthew' Lutheran Church, which Miller mortgaged to become Von Glahn's in the event of defaulting. Details on back indicate a release of the lien on the property. Handwritten note by Von Glahn across the document indicates the debt was "finally satisfied" on July 12, 1928.
A letter written by Maizie J. Bergmann to the committee of the German Cemetery Grounds. The letter recounts an incident where Bergmann attempted to deliver compost to the Bergmann family plot and "Mr. J.H. Steenken" interrupted the delivery. The letter ends with an inquiry about cemetery rules.
Letter to Captain C.G. Ducker from attorney John D. Cappelmann detailing his pro bono receipt of signatures on a bond by two representatives of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.
Verification under oath by members of the community that A.H.C. Stender has lived long in this community and his reputation for veracity in the city is good.
A letter from Rutledge, an attorney, to Captain C.G. Ducker, President of the German Evangelical Church. Rutledge mentions enclosing a document for an agreement between "Newman" and the church, allowing Newman to lay pipes across cemetery grounds.
A letter from Tristram T. Hyde to Captain C.G. Ducker, President of the St. Matthew's congregation. The letter describes a 2.08-acre tract of land Hyde wishes to purchase on behalf of a client. He states he's authorized to offer $1000 per acre.
A letter from Tristram T. Hyde to Captain C.G. Ducker, President of the St. Matthew's congregation. The letter states Ducker's counter offer of $2000 per acre is too high, and that Hyde is authorized to offer $3000 for the roughly two-acre plot.
A letter from Tristram T. Hyde to Captain C.G. Ducker, President of the St. Matthew's congregation. Hyde states he's offered to take an option for $4000, "with the assurance that $4000.00 will be paid for said land if the plan contemplated can be carried out. Hyde asks Ducker to bring the offer to the next church meeting and explain that the land's sale will lead to "public improvement."
18"x20" black-and-white photograph of the 1909 Sunday School Building Committee. Pictured are J.H Puckhaber, J. H. Tietjen, F.D. Hartmann, and D.A. Amme.
Policy (number 102) from the "Carolina Mutual Insurance Company" for the Sunday School building of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church for the amount of $4000.
Policy (number 1235) from "Germania Mutual Fire Insurance Co." for the Sunday School building of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church for the amount of $4000.
A survey map of the area known as Desperker Farm, followed by a deed indicating the area's sale to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, under its original name the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. The sale for $5,650 was finalized by E.L. Freeman and D.L. Goff, based on a resolution by the stockholders of the First National Bank of Pawtucket. The conveyance of the deed was certified by the law firm Ficken, Hughes & Ficken. The date of the original survey is July 16, 1892.
A letter to Captain C.G. Ducker from the law offices of Ficken, Hughes & Ficken enclosing the deed to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, executed by the First National Bank of Pawtucket. The recording of the deed by Captain Cogswell was free, and Captain Ducker is encouraged to keep the deed, title and other property documents in his records.
Memo by Captain C.G. Ducker on the letterhead of his company Carolina Mutual Insurance Co. noting a range of events related to the property history of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, beginning in 1860 and ending in 1906.
A document signed by William F. Ostendorff and Ernst C. Hesse, agreeing to bond themselves in support of the established perpetual care fund for Bethany Cemetery.
A document signed by Julian H. Jahnz and Anton W. Jager, agreeing to bond themselves in support of the established perpetual care fund for Bethany Cemetery.
A letter to Captain C.G. Ducker, President of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, from the attorney John F. Ficken. The letter was meant to accompany the delivery of three bonds.
A land survey showing a tract of five acres north of the Charleston city limits in 1903. The document states the land was formerly part of Dispau Farm.
Letter from "your friend" J. Heinz to Capt. C.G. Ducker thanking him for help after the tragedy that "has stricken our congregation" and Dr. Muller's offer to hold German services at St. Johannes every second Sunday.
Letter of thanks from Captain of SMS Gazelle to Mr. C G. Ducker, President of St. Matthew's Congregation, for the invitation for the crew to attend services and stating the officers and crew thoroughly enjoyed the worship service at St. Matthew's.
German-language letter from the Vestry in recognition of the Ladies Bell and Clock Society for enabling the chime bells and tower clock to be installed in the Church steeple and the gift of a small table-bell as a symbol of high appreciation from the Church.
English-language letter from the Vestry in recognition of the Ladies Bell and Clock Society for enabling the chime bells and tower clock to be installed in the Church steeple and the gift of a small table-bell as a symbol of high appreciation from the Church.
A fire insurance policy taken out for the chapel of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church situated at Bethany Cemetery. The policy was with the Pacific Fire Insurance Company in New York City.
Envelope containing bond of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- stylized with an abbreviation of its original name, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- from Henry Ruus.
A letter from Henry Ruus, co-signed by fellow clergy members including J.H. Tietjen and K.C. Stello, indicating that they are "held and firmly bound" to pay $2,000 to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.
1900, 1901, 1850-1859, 1890-1899, 1880-1889, 1870-1879, 1860-1869, and 1840-1849
Description:
This German-language ledger book contains the records of marriages and deaths within the community of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church from 1840 to 1900, with a few additional entries for 1901. The book is divided into two sections. The front portion contains marriage records while the back portion contains death records.
1900, 1850-1859, 1890-1899, 1880-1889, 1870-1879, 1860-1869, and 1840-1849
Description:
This German-language ledger book contains the records of baptisms and confirmations within the community of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church from 1840 to 1900. The book is divided into two sections. The front portion contains baptismal records while the back portion contains confirmation records.
Policy (number 107292) from the "Germania Mutual Fire Insurance Co." for the organ, copper roof, and furniture/fixtures of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church for the amount of $4000.
Rev. Louis Muller's recognition of fifty years of service at St. Matthw's German Lutheran Church, including his first service on Easter Sunday in 1848 and his record of service including, 4,402 baptisms, 1,440 confirmations, 1503 marriages, and burials of 4,163 friends, inlcuding the period in 1854 when the yellow fever epidemic swept through Charleston.
Contract with terms of a one-year contract for Professor Otto Muller to serve as the organist for St. Matthew's congregation. Terms include, payment of $50 per year, leading and training the choir and children in preparation for becoming members of the choir, and giving a public organ concert to benefit the church (and receive $25 for his efforts). Signed by Otto Muller and members of Church Council.
Letter to Carsten Wulbern, President of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church Property, from attorney John F. Ficken, which encloses a record that shows there are "no outstanding encumbrances of record affecting the Church property." The enclosed record is written by Charleston County Register of Mesne Conveyances, Charles Kerrison Jr., and references dates from 1852 to 1891.
Policy (number 104465) from the "Germania Mutual Fire Insurance Co." for the organ, copper roof, and furniture/fixtures of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church for the amount of $4000.
Newpaper clippings in German and English commemorating the fortieth anniversary of arrival of one hundred and thirty five German immigrants in Charleston in 1849 aboard the Johann Frierich ship.
A certificate from Carolina Mutual Insurance Company, verifying their coverage of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, here referred to by its original name, the German Lutheran Evangelical Church. A constitution of their policies is included, signed by company president Captain C.G. Ducker. The church is insured for the amount of $10,000.
A certificate from Carolina Mutual Insurance Company, verifying their coverage of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, here referred to by its original name, the German Lutheran Evangelical Church. A constitution of their policies is included, signed by company president Captain C.G. Ducker. The church is insured for the amount of $2,500.
Letter to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Board of Directors member Carsten Wulbern from attorney John F. Ficken, returning a title to the church along with a mortgage, which has been fully satisfied.
Letter to the members of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- here abbreviated under its original name, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- from the Building Committee, detailing repairs to the church after suffering hurricane ("cyclone") storm damage totaling $3,627, which in the committee's view should be raised by church members.
This document packet is the abstract of the title to a tract of land located near the southeast corner of Meeting Street and Cunnington Street. St. Matthew's Lutheran Church (then the German Evangelical Lutheran Church) purchased the land from the Northeastern Railroad Company (N.E.R.R. Company) in 1883 for the purpose of creating a cemetery. The cemetery became known as Bethany Cemetery. The abstract lists the property's previous owners and the means through which they acquired the land. It also includes legal documentation showing the N.E.R.R. paid taxes on the land and other confirmation that they had the right to sell the land.
A document conveying a tract of land to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. The church purchased this land from the North Eastern Rail Road Company.
Land Survey of a lot near the corner of Meeting and Cunnington Streets. The survey describes the land as consisting of 9.45 acres, and that a representative of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church requested the survey.
A document conveying a tract of land to George Dispau. The document describes how W.D. Porter, a representative of the court, auctioned the land to the church so the estate of previous owner, Cephas Whittmore, could settle his debt.
Letter in German from Pastor Muller to Pastor Johannes Heckel of Nashville, Tennessee inviting Heckel to visit St. Matthew's and enclosing a draft for $50 for travel expenses. The letter is cosigned by members of the Call Committee, the Secretary, and other officials of the parish.
Letter in German from Johannes Heckel to William Ufferhardt referencing his recovery from an illness caused by the long railroad trip and thanking Ufferhardt for Heckel's stay in Charleston. He asked Ufferhardt to review a vocations formula he has written and advice on whether Heckel should also write Dr. Mueller.
Letter in German from Johannes Heckel to William Ufferhardt, Secretary of St. Matthew's Parish, warmly accepting the invitation to visit and stating he will request from his church permission for a two week absence to make the trip and will advise of the date of his departure.
Letter outlining the devastating financial situation of the church, interest burdens and $1300 difference in income and expenditures along with the recommendation that the Assistant Pastor can only be funded from private means.
Church Constitution of St. Matthew's Lutheran Congregation in Charleston, SC, translated from the original German into English. Originally published in 1859. This revised edition was printed in 1876.
Church Constitution of St. Matthew's Lutheran Congregation in Charleston, SC, in German. Originally published in 1859. This revised edition was printed in 1876.
Letter in German from H. Bode to the President and Council of the German Church asking for financial assistance. Bode stated that since times have become so bad and workers can only work three quarters and half times, he would like to receive a small gratuity in recognition for singing in the choir. He further states he does not neglect his duties when he is healthy, and it has been three-quarters of a year since he last sang.
Letter in German from V. von Lintig to Mr. Ufferhardt requesting claim for $200 from the church. V. von Lintig indicates he no longer lives in Charleston and no longer visits the Church, but since he has supported the Church vigorously, is requesting the amount of $200 plus interest.
A letter from representatives of the Confederate Survivors Association to the vestry of the German Lutheran Church, asking them to set aside an area in their cemetery for veterans of the Civil War.
Vocation (or Call) addressed to Johannes Heckel by the Call Committee, advising him that they are inviting him to take the position. It refers to their unanimous agreement to the call - subject to the approval of the Bishop. "It was God's will that we were made aware of you and that we had you in our midst and will get to know you even better. We are convinced that you will be able to support our Honorable Pastor Dr. Mueller in his difficult work and in the internal and external building of our St. Matthew's Parish. So we recognize clearly and happily the finger of God and call you unanimously as our second preacher." The letter continues to express that, as a servant of the parish, he will preach God's word, help guide and lead the Church, educate children, etc.
Letter from Heinrich Emil Eckel, organist, to President and Council Members of St. Matthew's Church requesting permission to use the Sunday School building to teach music to the children of the congregation.
A title to real estate conveying a tract of land from John N. Tideman to George Dispau. This document also includes a notation by widow Lydia Whittmore conveying rights to George Dispau.
A document signed by Cephas Whittmore, agreeing to pay back eight-thousand dollars in eight-hundred dollar installments in return for a loan from George Dispau. This money was taken out for a tract of land.
Letter in German from John Heinemann, organist and member of the church, to Church Council asking to renew his contract as organist with German Evangelical Lutheran Church and stating reasons for his request.
Letter in German from Heinrich Emil Eckel to the President and Council Members of the German St. Matthew's Church offering himself as a candidate for the customary annual selection for the position of organist. He references his experience playing his own works at two concerts given to celebrate the founding of the church. He also states other churches in the city have offered him a ten-year position as organist, which speaks best to his qualifications.
Program detailing the dedication ceremony of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, to take place on "Holy Thursday," March 28, 1872. Includes a personnel list for the Directors of Procession and the Arrangements Committee, and details each moment of the ceremony. Also includes several key dates in the property history leading up to the opening of the church from 1867 to 1872, and a schedule of events to come, including baptisms, funerals and a marriage.
