St. Paul Lutheran Church, located in Pomaria, South Carolina, stands as one of the oldest continuous Lutheran congregations in Newberry County. Established in 1761 by Reverend Joachim Bulow, the church was founded on land granted by King George III, making it one of the earliest Lutheran congregations in the region.

The congregation’s first place of worship was a log cabin constructed shortly after its founding. This structure was replaced by a frame church in 1786, which served the community for several decades. In 1830, a larger frame church was built to accommodate the growing congregation. The churchyard, established in 1865, serves as the final resting place for many members, including Reverend J.A. Sligh, who led the church for 47 years and was a prominent local figure.

In 1938, the congregation outgrew its previous buildings, leading to the construction of a new Gothic Revival-style sanctuary designed by Willie Koon. This church, constructed from local blue granite, stood as a testament to the community’s resilience and faith. However, in January 2013, the church was devastated by a fire that destroyed much of the structure.

Despite the setback, the congregation remained steadfast. For three years, they worshipped in a nearby school building while the church was rebuilt. The restored sanctuary, completed in 2016, preserved the original stone walls and facade, incorporating modern elements to enhance functionality and accessibility.

Today, St. Paul Lutheran Church continues to serve as a vibrant center of worship and community in Pomaria, reflecting a rich history of faith, perseverance, and renewal.