Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Columbia

Ebenezer Lutheran Church stands as a remarkable testament to faith, resilience, and inclusivity in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina. Located at the corner of Richland and Sumter Streets, the church was built in 1931, right amid the Great Depression-a bold architectural and spiritual statement of enduring belief. Designed by architect James B. Urquhart, the structure showcases the elegance of Neo-Gothic style infused with subtle Art Deco elements, giving it both historical gravitas and artistic flair.

The roots of Ebenezer Lutheran Church trace back to 1830 when the Lutheran congregation was founded in Columbia. Their first chapel, built in 1831, was rebuilt in 1870 after a fire and renovated in 1900. Now known as the Ebenezer Lutheran Chapel, this brick building with twin towers and art glass windows was restored and rededicated in 1993. A nearby cemetery dates to the early 1800s.

Both the church and the chapel hold deep historical significance and spiritual importance. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and continues to be a vibrant center of worship and community. Today, the church welcomes all people-regardless of background, status, identity, or life experience. Whether you're seeking a place for quiet prayer, spiritual growth, or participation in joyful services (often uplifted by a beautiful choir), Ebenezer offers a warm, open-hearted space.

For those curious about its full history, the church office offers a book titled Stone of Help, A History of Ebenezer Lutheran Church. But even without flipping a single page, the message is clear: you are welcome here.