BETHANY CEMETERY
ABOUT OUR CEMETERY
BETHANY CEMETERY
Bethany Cemetery is located within the city limits of Charleston. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church opened Bethany Cemetery in 1856 after its first cemetery was filled, following several yellow fever outbreaks that devastated the immigrant German population of Charleston. Today, Bethany’s beautiful 25 acres are filled with some of the finest Victorian era mortuary art in the low country.
Bethany invites you to consider its property as you plan your future needs. The management of the cemetery shares the long-standing commitment of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church to provide a well-maintained resting place for the Charleston community. Our tradition is to serve in your time of need, and with this, we offer our property and services for your consideration.
Questions
- Are there lots available? Yes! Please contact us below for inquiries.
- Is Bethany restricted to Lutherans? No! Bethany is open to all people interested in this beautiful resting place.
- How is the cemetery managed? A committee of parishioners at St. Matthew’s oversees the operation of Bethany. An on-site office is administered by the cemetery’s superintendent. Bethany is funded through lot sales and an endowment fund administered by the committee. The grounds are cared for by a perpetual care fund.
hours
Cemetery Visiting Hours:
October – March: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
April – September: 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Office Hours:
8:30AM – 3:30PM Monday – Friday
Bethany Cemetery
10 Cunnington Street,
Charleston, SC 29403
Location
Bethany is located on 55 acres within the city limits of Charleston just off of Meeting Street. It is surrounded on all sides by a security fence, is regularly patrolled by the City of Charleston Police Department, and has an office on-site that is staffed during week days.
the st. matthew's prayer garden
The prayer garden
St. Matthew’s Prayer Garden offers a beautiful and sacred place for reflection. Brick pavers, Charleston benches, and a variety of plants enhance this area. The prayer Garden is maintained by donations of time and money and managed by the St. Matthew’s Cemetery Committee.
The Columbarium
The Columbarium is located behind the stained glass windows at the chancel of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Phase One offers 80 niches. The St. Matthew’s Cemetery Committee has begun conversation about Phase Two to construct additional spaces.
- Niches sell for $2,500 each.
- Each niche can hold up to two cremains.
- A fee to engrave the stone covering the opening will be due at the time of need, and the engraving will be billed at market price.
The wagener society
The Wagener Society was established in 2016 to honor Johann Andreas Wagener, one of the founders, first congregational president of St. Matthew’s, and former mayor of Charleston, and in appreciation of those who support the maintenance of the Prayer Garden.
Contact
To learn more about or purchase our available cemetery lots or columbarium niches, or any additional information please contact:
Bill Schwab, Superintendent
(843) 723-3121
bethanycemetery@smlccharleston.org
Mailing Address:
PO Box 21948
Charleston, SC 29413
or through your funeral director.