Cedar Grove Lutheran Church in Leesville, South Carolina, is known for its deep roots in the community and its historic brick sanctuary at 1220 Cedar Grove Road. Begun as Salem Lutheran Church in 1792, the congregation was formally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
From Salem Lutheran Church to Cedar Grove
After a wood-frame church on nearby Devil's Backbone Road, Cedar Grove established a second wood-frame building on its present property in 1857. Fire destroyed it in 1865. A third, larger wooden structure served the congregation until the 1920s, when the church lobbied for a modern brick facility. The present Late Gothic Revival building was erected in 1926-27 and drew architectural inspiration from North Carolina architect Louis H. Asbury. A Fellowship Hall was added in 1973 and substantially renovated in 1999. Preservation work has included a brick-and-mortar effort to restore the building's integrity.
Receiving, Embracing, Growing and Sharing
At the center of Cedar Grove's mission is the statement: As disciples of Jesus Christ, we receive, embrace, grow and share. Cedar Grove regards its history and traditions as a scripturally sound, people-centered foundation. It also recognizes that society changes and seeks new ways to approach people without changing its core beliefs or what makes it uniquely Cedar Grovian. Members aim to meet people where they are, nurture faith, and see, hear, invite and engage without judgment. Its openness includes a willingness to learn from mistakes and strive to be examples of Christ in the world.
Sunday School and Worship
Sunday begins with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship at 10:30 a.m. A typical worship service runs from 10:30 to 11:45. A service on the first Sunday of each month or another festival Sunday may be slightly longer because it includes communion. Worship is available live and in archived recordings through Cedar Grove's YouTube worship channel.
Entering the Sanctuary
Visitors enter through the middle or right-hand of the three large doors at the front of the church. Greeters welcome people and answer practical questions, including how communion works. Cedar Grove respects people who do not want to be identified before the congregation, although members are likely to offer warm greetings. The church's clothing guidance is simple: some worshippers choose Sunday best, others wear business casual, jeans, shorts or a T-shirt. Visitors are asked to wear what makes them comfortable.
Families can keep children in worship, where wiggles and cherub voices are welcome. Busy bags at the entrance help occupy younger children. After the children's sermon, children may leave for age-appropriate activities in Children's Church, assisted by youth leaders and members. Preschool-aged children may use the nursery in Fellowship Hall before or during worship, and the service is shown on a television screen so parents do not miss what is happening.
Learning Across the Generations
Christian education is a major part of Cedar Grove's life, with classes for people of every age. Intergenerational gatherings bring families together to pray, talk and sing, while adults discuss Scripture, contemporary culture and their own faith journeys. Youth activities and conversations connect faith with daily life, and children take part in crafts, singing, snacks and Bible storytime. The congregation supports spiritual growth from infant baptism and early elementary school through catechism, confirmation and graduation. Vacation Bible School each summer adds a meal, music, games, Bible study and videos to the learning program.
Each Sunday, youth gather at 9:30 for Bible study and the chance to share accomplishments and concerns. Throughout the year, youth and adults build relationships through events that explore faith and seek Biblical direction for a Christ-centered life.
Music for Every Generation
Music has long been part of Cedar Grove's worship and community life. The church has a traditional adult choir, a children's music program and multigenerational Christmas caroling. Soloists and instrumentalists of all ages are welcome, and the congregation sometimes partners with musicians from other churches to provide new musical experiences. An annual Christmas cantata combines narration and an orchestra as a choral celebration of the birth of Christ. Choir members gather in the sanctuary on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., while Children's Choir meets on Sundays at 9 a.m. Reverend Heidi Holst serves as pastor, Amy Frick is choir director and organist, and Sharon Eargle is pianist and organist.
50+ Club, WELCA and Lutheran Men in Mission
50+ Club
The 50+ Club gives seniors who are still young at heart a monthly setting for fellowship, games, meals, trips and guest speakers. Its activities have included visits to a pumpkin patch, a look at honey production, movies and devotions. Members and friends from the community are welcome at these gatherings.
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
WELCA meets in four groups for monthly devotions, business and fellowship. The women also come together quarterly for Bible study, service projects and hobby activities. Their service includes preparing communion and other meals, caring for others during bereavement, leading worship and sponsoring activities such as Relay for Life.
Lutheran Men in Mission
Lutheran Men in Mission also meets monthly for devotions, business and fellowship. The men prepare meals, lead worship, deliver holiday fruit baskets, set up for Advent and build ramps for shut-ins and baptismal chests for newest members. Additional church service roles include nursery care, reading lessons, preparing communion and providing altar flowers.
A Compass for the Journey Forward
Cedar Grove's compass-rose symbol reflects its path forward. The four action words of its mission surround a cross at the center, a reminder of God's grace. The compass represents direction for people seeking a way forward, while the cross keeps the church's purpose at its center as the world changes.
Cedar Grove calls baptism a holy sacrament and a re-birthday. The newly baptized are received as reborn children of God and inheritors of eternal life, fellow members of the body of Christ and co-workers in the kingdom of God. The congregation's colors affirm the importance of baptism and Jesus' identity as the beloved Son, King of kings, sacrifice and servant, a theme drawn from the account of Jesus' baptism in Mark 1:9-11. New members are received through baptism, affirmation of faith or transfer from another congregation, and all who desire to join the mission and church family are welcome.
From its Salem Lutheran Church beginning to its historic sanctuary and many ministries, Cedar Grove remains a Leesville congregation committed to receiving, embracing, growing and sharing.