Letters and documents surrounding the legal history of a piece of property eventually acquired by St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, beginning in 1834 with the settling of the estate of William A. Moultrie by the trustee William Brailsford, up until the release of a lien on the Hasell Street property, in September of 1841, upon John Bryan's bond payment of $12,000 to the business partners George Ingraham and Thomas Webb.
Articles of agreement for the construction of a church on the "corner of Anson and Hasel Streets" between the Building Committee of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, then known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, and John Dawson. Includes specifications for details like windows, painting and a lightning rod, and also contains notes on installment payments, each signed by Dawson.
Resolution from October of 1841 stating the intention to form a religious society, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- eventually, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- and the appointment of a committee, chaired by John A. Wagener, to collect the funding necessary to construct the church. Includes Wagener's mortgaging of a property to secure a loan of $1,600 from the State Bank of South Carolina for this purpose.
Bill of sale detailing the $600 sale at auction of an enslaved man named Elick to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, here referred to as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, by the executors of the estate of Thomas Gates.
Document detailing the contractual agreement and payment conditions between "architect contractor and builder" John H. Devereux and Jacob H. Kalb, chairman of the Building Committee, for the construction of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church for a total of $53,000.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
