About
Our story
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, founded in 1840 by a group of Germans who wished to worship in their native language, quickly outgrew its original building at Hasell and Anson Streets in Charleston.
The congregation moved into its current building in 1872. The small congregation could never have envisioned its growth to become South Carolina’s largest Lutheran church at the beginning of the 21st century.
From the beginning until today, St. Matthew’s has reached out to meet and serve the needs of others in our local community and throughout the world, as ordained by God.
Visit St.Matthew’s Wikipedia page to learn more about our rich history.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church has partnered with the Lowcountry Digital Library to preserve and digitize some of the church’s earliest records, dating from 1841 to 1925. Check out this collection that captures some of St. Matthew’s rich history.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, founded in 1840 by a group of Germans who wished to worship in their native language, quickly outgrew its original building at Hasell and Anson Streets in Charleston.
The congregation moved into its current building in 1872. The small congregation could never have envisioned its growth to become South Carolina’s largest Lutheran church at the beginning of the 21st century.
From the beginning until today, St. Matthew’s has reached out to meet and serve the needs of others in our local community and throughout the world, as ordained by God.
Visit St.Matthew’s Wikipedia page to learn more about our rich history.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church has partnered with the Lowcountry Digital Library to preserve and digitize some of the church’s earliest records, dating from 1841 to 1925. Check out this collection that captures some of St. Matthew’s rich history.
What We Believe
St. Matthew’s believes in Grace. Grace is the promise of eternal life and the forgiveness of our sins FREELY given by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We are made new creatures in this holy promise. At St. Matthew’s, we joyfully celebrate the gifts that God has given us, we share in each others’ sorrows as broken human beings, and we give thanks to God for this community that allows us to be ourselves and love one another, the world, and God.
Lutheran Christians believe that the story of God’s steadfast love and mercy in Jesus is the heart and center of what the Scriptures have to say. We believe in a living God, who we name Holy Spirit, who calls us to live in love, seek kindness, and stand in solidarity with those on the margins of society.
St. Matthew’s is a Lutheran church and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our national church body. However, our congregation is comprised of many folks who did not grow up Lutheran, so do not feel like you have to be in order to fit in! You can learn more about the ELCA at elca.org. St. Matthew’s is also a congregation of the South Carolina Synod, learn more at scsynod.com.
staff
Rev. Dr. Eric Childers
Senior Pastor
Born in Hickory, NC, Pastor Eric holds degrees from Lenoir-Rhyne University, Wake Forest University, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (United Seminary), and the University of Virginia. He has served congregations in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, serving at St. Matthew’s since August 2016. He has also taught at Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and has published articles on vocation and Lutheran higher education. His favorite part of ministry is teaching and helping folk make meaning of life through faith. Husband to Kristi and dad to Jack and Katie, Pastor Eric loves to read, write, cook, throw a party, travel, drink wine and beer, and care for his yard. PE is very fond of his dog, Charles. pastor@smlccharleston.org
Jason Bazzle
Director of Music
Jason studied at the College of Charleston earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. During his “break” year between College and Seminary he met his wife, Christy, who blindly moved with him to St. Paul, MN where he earned his Master of Sacred Music from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary. Jason has a passion for music in the singing church. Whether it’s a Bach Cantata or a Jazz Vespers, music gathers us around Word, Font and Table. In his spare time he looks forward most to hanging out with Christy and his three (now adult) children.
Deborah Ross
Director of Parish Operations
Deborah has been the Director of Parish Operations at St. Matthew’s for more than eight years. She brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished 40-year career in business management, including 25 years as the owner of an executive research firm specializing in C-level positions. Passionate about reading, traveling, and beachcombing, Deborah is originally from California and attended Northwestern University.
Vernell Walker
Staff Member, Outreach Center
Leoma Doctor
Sexton
Leoma and her husband, Leroy, have been long-time residents of Charleston’s Eastside. They are proud parents of two daughters, Whitni and Ari, and two grandchildren, Kaidin and Rae’yelle. Leoma’s career has been deeply rooted in service to her community. She worked on the construction of the Ravenel Bridge from its inception to completion. She then began working at St. Matthew’s Preschool, where she initially tutored students. She took on an additional role working in the Mother’s Morning Out program, caring for children whose parents were in the ESL classes. It was during this time Leoma joined the Sexton team. She has been dedicated to this role for over 20 years. Beyond her regular responsibilities, Leoma assists with weddings, special events, and various projects, further enriching her long-standing connection to St. Matthew’s.
Rev. A.J. Houseman
Campus Ministry Pastor
Pastor A.J. is from Muscatine, Iowa. She earned her business degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a Masters of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary. She has served in diverse ministry settings in New Jersey, Iowa, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. She currently serves the Delaware-Maryland Synod hosting the Ten Foot Pole Podcast since 2021 and has been at St. Matthew’s since July 2023. Her ministry passions include campus and young adult ministry, chaplaincy, preaching, and teaching. She lives in Summerville with her spouse, Carley, and their four year old daughter, Finley.
campusministry@smlccharleston.org
Deacon Andrew More
Deacon for Youth, Children, and Families
Born in Maine but raised in Florida, DA is a 2002 graduate from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary with a MA in Religion. Prior to that, he was a social worker for ten years (MSW from Florida State University) working with adolescents and their families. He has served six congregations across four ELCA synods, focusing on youth ministry and faith formation for all ages. His ministry centers around helping people live out their vocations as baptized disciples of Jesus in their daily lives. Deacon Andrew and his wife Grace have two adult sons, Zack and Kento. He enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures, playing guitar, and spending time out in God’s beautiful creation. deacon@smlccharleston.org
Hayden Shook
Director of ESL, Outreach Center
Hayden loves helping students increase their confidence and skills in speaking English. Different languages, cultures, and food fascinate her which probably led her to join the Peace Corps after college. After her family and the students, her next love is flower gardening. She loves experimenting with new plants, and different colors and textures, but she could do without the beetles and slugs!
Bill Schwab
Bethany Cemetery Superintendent
Bill’s career was spent in software for managing all aspects of car dealerships. He worked for ADP Dealer services for 39 years until he retired, moving here to Charleston, SC. He have been involved with genealogy for a number of years and has been taking pictures for Find-A-Grave. He had been doing it for Bethany, Magnolia and St. Lawrence cemeteries. That is how he came to learn about the superintendent’s job here at Bethany. He is working on computerizing Bethany’s records.
Rial "Buddy" Fitch
Facilities Care
Buddy was born and raised in Charleston, SC, baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew’s. He married Peggy Toler Fitch 50 years ago, and moved to Mount Pleasant. When he retired from Mount Pleasant Seafood, in 2017, he came to work at St. Matt’s as a volunteer working as coordinator of facilities. He helps with parking, cameras, security, the columbarium, and any other needs at church. The Men’s Work Crew does the work and he find jobs for them to do.
staff
Rev. Dr. Eric Childers
Senior Pastor
Born in Hickory, NC, Pastor Eric holds degrees from Lenoir-Rhyne University, Wake Forest University, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (United Seminary), and the University of Virginia. He has served congregations in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, serving at St. Matthew’s since August 2016. He has also taught at Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and has published articles on vocation and Lutheran higher education. His favorite part of ministry is teaching and helping folk make meaning of life through faith. Husband to Kristi and dad to Jack and Katie, Pastor Eric loves to read, write, cook, throw a party, travel, drink wine and beer, and care for his yard. PE is very fond of his dog, Charles. pastor@smlccharleston.org
Rev. A.J. Houseman
Campus Ministry Pastor
Pastor A.J. is from Muscatine, Iowa. She earned her business degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a Masters of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary. She has served in diverse ministry settings in New Jersey, Iowa, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. She currently serves the Delaware-Maryland Synod hosting the Ten Foot Pole Podcast since 2021 and has been at St. Matthew’s since July 2023. Her ministry passions include campus and young adult ministry, chaplaincy, preaching, and teaching. She lives in Summerville with her spouse, Carley, and their four year old daughter, Finley.
campusministry@smlccharleston.org
Jason Bazzle
Director of Music
Jason studied at the College of Charleston earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. During his “break” year between College and Seminary he met his wife, Christy, who blindly moved with him to St. Paul, MN where he earned his Master of Sacred Music from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary. Jason has a passion for music in the singing church. Whether it’s a Bach Cantata or a Jazz Vespers, music gathers us around Word, Font and Table. In his spare time he looks forward most to hanging out with Christy and his three (now adult) children.
Deacon Andrew More
Deacon for Youth, Children, and Families
Born in Maine but raised in Florida, DA is a 2002 graduate from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary with a MA in Religion. Prior to that, he was a social worker for ten years (MSW from Florida State University) working with adolescents and their families. He has served six congregations across four ELCA synods, focusing on youth ministry and faith formation for all ages. His ministry centers around helping people live out their vocations as baptized disciples of Jesus in their daily lives. Deacon Andrew and his wife Grace have two adult sons, Zack and Kento. He enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures, playing guitar, and spending time out in God’s beautiful creation. deacon@smlccharleston.org
Deborah Ross
Director of Parish Operations
Deborah has been the Director of Parish Operations at St. Matthew’s for more than eight years. She brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished 40-year career in business management, including 25 years as the owner of an executive research firm specializing in C-level positions. Passionate about reading, traveling, and beachcombing, Deborah is originally from California and attended Northwestern University.
Hayden Shook
Director of ESL, Outreach Center
Hayden loves helping students increase their confidence and skills in speaking English. Different languages, cultures, and food fascinate her which probably led her to join the Peace Corps after college. After her family and the students, her next love is flower gardening. She loves experimenting with new plants, and different colors and textures, but she could do without the beetles and slugs!
Vernell Walker
Staff Member, Outreach Center
Bill Schwab
Bethany Cemetery Superintendent
Bill’s career was spent in software for managing all aspects of car dealerships. He worked for ADP Dealer services for 39 years until he retired, moving here to Charleston, SC. He have been involved with genealogy for a number of years and has been taking pictures for Find-A-Grave. He had been doing it for Bethany, Magnolia and St. Lawrence cemeteries. That is how he came to learn about the superintendent’s job here at Bethany. He is working on computerizing Bethany’s records.
Leoma Doctor
Sexton
Leoma and her husband, Leroy, have been long-time residents of Charleston’s Eastside. They are proud parents of two daughters, Whitni and Ari, and two grandchildren, Kaidin and Rae’yelle. Leoma’s career has been deeply rooted in service to her community. She worked on the construction of the Ravenel Bridge from its inception to completion. She then began working at St. Matthew’s Preschool, where she initially tutored students. She took on an additional role working in the Mother’s Morning Out program, caring for children whose parents were in the ESL classes. It was during this time Leoma joined the Sexton team. She has been dedicated to this role for over 20 years. Beyond her regular responsibilities, Leoma assists with weddings, special events, and various projects, further enriching her long-standing connection to St. Matthew’s.
Rial "Buddy" Fitch
Facilities Care
Buddy was born and raised in Charleston, SC, baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew’s. He married Peggy Toler Fitch 50 years ago, and moved to Mount Pleasant. When he retired from Mount Pleasant Seafood, in 2017, I came to work at St. Matt’s as a volunteer working as coordinator of facilities. He helps with parking, cameras, security, the columbarium, and any other needs at church. The Men’s Work Crew does the work and he find jobs for them to do.