Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church sits at 1605 Harbor View Road on James Island, the small barrier island community within the city of Charleston, South Carolina. It is the only Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregation on the island, organized on February 5, 1961, when a group of Lutherans came together to plant a church home of their own.
A Half-Century on Harbor View Road
Eight pastors have shepherded Martin Luther disciples since the congregation began. The founding pastor, the Reverend Paulwyn Lee Boliek, served from February 5, 1961, to June 30, 1971. Successors include the Reverends Marvin Thomas Sublett, Charles Edward Bernhardt, James Leon "Chip" Lingle Jr., Steven David Rosebrock, James Stanley Vargo, Glenn L. London Jr., and Stephen G. Cooper. The Reverend Thomas Cassem served as interim from 2013 to 2024, and the present Interim Pastor, the Reverend Kathleen Miko, stepped in during 2024. Today about 125 disciples call Martin Luther Church their home.
In 2014 and 2015, stained glass windows were added to the sanctuary and narthex, a colorful way to glorify God in the worship space the congregation has shared for more than six decades.
Sunday Mornings at Ten
Worship gathers at 10 AM each Sunday, and Holy Communion is celebrated every week. All are welcome at God's Table. The service is led by the pastor alongside lay leaders and assistants, the Director of Music, and the choir. Members actively participate, raising their voices in honor and glory of God.
For those unable to attend in person, the service is broadcast live on YouTube (Martin Luther Church Charleston) and on Facebook Live (Martin Luther Lutheran Church) every Sunday morning at 10. Before the service, an Adult Bible Study meets at 9 AM, and the choir rehearses at the same hour. A Council Meeting follows worship at 11:30 AM on the second Sunday of every month.
A Caring Family of God
The mission statement, adopted in 2007, names the congregation "A Caring Family of God" - brought together by grace, nourished by the Word, led by the Spirit, and sent out in service to share God's love. The vision is to be the extended family of God for the surrounding community: reaching out to those searching for a church home, caring for the poor and those in need, and offering ministries for children, youth, and adults.
Members commit to a life of prayer, studying God's Word, offering worship and praise, inviting others to "come and see," encouraging one another in the faith, serving all in need, and giving in joyful response. The congregation openly welcomes people of all genders, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Music at the Heart of Worship
Music is woven into every Sunday at Martin Luther. Gina W. Shuey directs the music program, leading the choir and a handbell ensemble that rehearses on Monday evenings at 5:45 PM. Together with the pastor and lay worship leaders, the music ministry keeps God at the center of worship. Each summer the church hosts a Music Camp for children and youth. The 2025 "Make a Joyful Noise" Music Camp ran August 4-8, and a 2026 edition is on the calendar.
Caring for One Another
Caring ministries are the daily work of the congregation. Stephen Ministry provides one-on-one support during difficult seasons. Prayer teams lift up members and neighbors. Members visit shut-ins, celebrate each other's joys, and walk alongside one another through life's harder passages.
Outside on Martello Drive beside the church stands a Blessing Box, rebuilt by Joe Sproles with help from the Cub Scouts in March 2025, to help neighbors experiencing hunger. Two Little Free Libraries, one for children and one for older readers, stand next to it.
Faith Formation for Every Age
Faith formation at Martin Luther is intergenerational. The Adult Bible Study meets on Sundays at 9 AM, and the church produces video series devotionals and seasonal devotions for individual study throughout the year. Together these opportunities help members nurture their prayer lives and apply God's Word in everyday life.
Sharing God's Love with James Island
Outreach defines the congregation. Martin Luther Church is the host site for Respite Care Charleston, a service and support program for those living with dementia. The program meets on Tuesdays at 10 AM, with support groups on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings at 6 PM, on Wednesdays at 10 AM, and on Fridays at 10 AM. Postpartum Support Charleston also calls the church home, extending care to new mothers across the region.
The church building opens its doors for Alcoholics Anonymous on Sunday evenings at 8 PM and Saturday evenings at 8 PM, and for Adult Children of Alcoholics on Saturdays at 6 PM. Beyond the walls, members partner with James Island Outreach, the Tri-County Veterans Support Network, Neighbors Together, Habitat for Humanity, the South Carolina Synod, the Coastal Conference, the ELCA, and global missions. Supporting these ministries, the church says, is who they are as servants of Christ.
Staying Connected and Giving
Gifts can be placed in the offering plate during worship, given through the Tithe.ly mobile giving app, or made online through the giving page. The monthly Luther Lines newsletter keeps the community informed and is available on the church's site, along with news from the ELCA and the South Carolina Synod. The church office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to noon. The phone number is 843-795-4855 and the email is mllc@knology.net.