OUR STORY
150 years of ministry, and counting!
In 1870, the Reverend Samuel Bouknight gathered together in Leesville a group of Lutherans who were hungering for the Means of Grace. So eager were these people for worship services that they improvised a brush arbor as a place of worship.
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Over 150 years later, Wittenberg still has the same passion for ministry. We would love to have you and your family come worship with us at any time, whether on-line or in person. As you go through the website, you will see that our church is handicapped equipped and we offer a variety of Sunday School Classes, worship services, and other ways to worship or serve. Please explore! This website is for you. And when you are ready, come see us, or let us hear from you.

MEET OUR STAFF

Rev. Keith Getz | Pastor
Preschool Teacher Assistant Needed
Preschool Teacher Assistant Needed
Rev. Keith Getz is a native of South Carolina. He was born and grew up in Columbia. Pastor Keith has a B.A. in English from Wofford College and has a Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia. He has served as a vicar in NC and as a Chaplain in Columbia as part of his seminary training. Pastor Keith has served as a pastor in Southwestern PA. and in Sumter, SC. He is married with four children. Pastor Keith is a traditional and orthodox Lutheran. His teaching and preaching are rooted in Holy Scripture, grounded in the Church Fathers, shaped by the Lutheran Confessions, and centered in Christ Jesus. He has a theological mind and a pastoral heart, which he uses to serve God, members of his church, and others in the community. He also enjoys listening to music, reading, writing, taking walks with his family, and cooking/baking.

Becky Hughes | Parish Administrator
Becky Hughes has been the Parish Administrator at Wittenberg since June of 2018, the day after retirement from 32 years of teaching music in public schools! Becky lives with her son, Cole and the family dog, Bea in Batesburg. Becky also has a daughter, Rhea, who lives in Orlando, FL. Becky also serves as organist/choir director at Faith Lutheran Church in Batesburg and teaches private piano lessons in her home. Becky feels lucky to have not one, but two church families! Becky also advocates for people on the autism spectrum by volunteering on the SC Autism Society Board of Directors.

Rachel Young | Organist
My being organist at Wittenberg is a perfect example of why I don't believe in coincidences. I believe that God returned me to my home church and put Annette Crumley in my life to give me a second chance to pursue a career choice I abandoned, with regret, years ago. Now, every Sunday I get to play surrounded by memories of people and times past while at the same time, sharing the music with friends and families of today's Wittenberg. Will the Circle Be Unbroken!

Randy Fellers | Choir Director
More info coming soon!

Mary Ann Shealy | Pianist
Being a preacher's daughter gave Mary Ann many opportunities to learn Lutheran church music very early in her life! At age three, she played the melody of a hymn "by ear", thus beginning an insatiable love of music. Mary Ann has served as organist, choir or music director in more than a few churches. Additionally, she has been the musician for churchwide conventions of Lutheran Men and Women. Most memorable was being the musician for Global Mission Events for ten summers. Mary Ann is delighted to serve at Wittenberg!

WHAT WE BELIEVE
The ELCA confesses the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In our preaching and teaching the ELCA trusts the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.
ELCA teaching or theology serves the proclamation and ministry of this faith. It does not have an answer for all questions, not even all religious questions. Teaching or theology prepares members to be witnesses in speech and in action of God’s rich mercy in Jesus Christ.