Summer Memorial Lutheran Church, Newberry, is a congregation with a faithful and exciting past, though we live with the conviction that our best days are still ahead.
Our rich history reaches back to a Sunday on July 24, 1910 when a Lutheran congregation was organized in the Mollohon Mill Village in Newberry, SC, with 26 charter members. Two Elders and three Deacons were elected officers. The Service was held in the community Union Building, where other denominations also worshipped. Services were conducted regularly twice each month by the Rev. Jefferson D. Shealy, pastor of Mayer Memorial, Newberry.
Although worship was conducted in a secular facility, there was encouraging growth in membership. By October of that year the congregation had increased to 40 confirmed members with a total baptized membership of 54. A house of worship was the great need.
This need was not without its bright side, for in October Pastor Shealy announced that a building, a house of worship, was assured. A church for this group of Lutherans would be constructed by Messrs. Charles E. Summer, John H. Summer, and George W. Summer as a memorial to their father and mother, George W. and Martha D. Summer. The land was donated by the Mollohon Manufacturing Company, a textile mill owned by the Summer family.
Early in 1911 the contract was awarded, and on July 8 the cornerstone was laid. This building was remodeled in 1939 and served the congregation until the present edifice was erected in 1952.
Now a self-supporting congregation, Summer Memorial was in a parish with Mayer Memorial, Newberry, 1910-29; with Silverstreet, Silverstreet, and Corinth, Saluda, 1930-37; and with Bethany, Newberry, and 1937-55.
For more than a century, the people of Summer Memorial have been celebrating and proclaiming the presence of God in the Newberry community. What began as a small village Lutheran Church continues to be a vital ministry serving the community, as well as supporting missions throughout the world. Summer Memorial has a history of resiliency. The congregation has survived the closing of major industries in the community, a tornado of 1984, and the exit relocation of families to be within proximity of their workplaces. But through the grace of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the congregation has been blessed beyond measure.
From the original structure in 1911, and remodeling of this building in 1939, to demolishing the original structure and erecting a new building in 1952, Summer Memorial has systemically made improvements or additions to its worship and educational facilities. A major addition to the church building was completed in 1980. This included a fellowship hall and kitchen, administrative offices, choir room, lounge, and classrooms. Four houses and lots adjoining the church property were purchased to ensure room for growth.
In addition to Sunday School and Worship services, members are involved in many ways through worship, learning, service, leadership, visitation, care, and fellowship. Summer Memorial has very active congregational organizations, including Lutheran Men in Mission, Women of the ELCA groups. Each month is our Summer-Tymers gathering with lunch and a program beginning at 11:44 a.m.
As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we seek to be a generous and welcoming congregation, knowing that all God has given us we are called to share. Summer Memorial is a congregation with a faithful and exciting past for over 100 years and trusts that God will continue to be our hope and inspiration for the future. To God Be the Glory!
