History

Mark 13:31 Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will live forever.

As you walk into the sanctuary of Mt. Tabor, your eyes are drawn immediately to the beauty of the sanctuary, especially the stain glass windows. Mt. Tabor's story began in a small cabin where people met to start a Sunday school. The group organized itself into a congregation in 1886, which antedates the town's charter. Since that time, it has been influential in the spiritual life of the West Columbia community. The congregation called The Reverend E. L. Lybrand as its first pastor in 1886.

Mt. Tabor's story began in 1886 when a small group of people in "New Brookland" met to begin a Sunday School. Under the guidance of it pastor and developer, E.L. Lybrand, the Sunday School soon became a worshiping community and a chartered congregation of the Lutheran Church. The congregation's original building on Shuler and Center streets was used until 1950, and is still present at that site. In 1950 the congregation moved into its present location at B Avenue and 10th street.

The first church building was built in 1897 at Center and Shuler Streets in the heart of the old West Columbia community. Mt. Tabor moved to the current site in 1948 and held its first day of worship in the new sanctuary on April 3, 1949. The educational wing known as the Lybrand Building was added in 1960 and the current administrative wing with offices and a conference room were constructed in 1980. There have been several major renovations throughout the history of Mt. Tabor, the most recent one in 1996 for $1.4 million. This included major renovation and expansion of the Randall Dyer pipe organ.

The congregation joined the South Carolina Synod in 1922. With nearly 1078 baptized members, it continues to flourish as a member congregation of the Synod and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Several members from the congregation have entered the ordained ministry. One dedicated his life to serve as missionary pastor in Japan.

Countless individuals have passed through Mt. Tabor's doors and have been lifted in spirit. Throughout its history, Mt. Tabor has helped support various activities and programs beyond its walls, such as support of mission congregations, hurricane victims, Habitat for Humanity, and many other causes. Dynamic and varied worship services, a strong educational program for children, youth and adults, and a strong music program that features 11 musical groups form the basis of a vital, Spirit-led ministry.

Worship and music are at the heart of our congregation's experience. Strong, traditional, liturgical worships services and dynamic music are the foundation for our weekly discipleship. Our congregation is passionately committed to christian education for children and adults, missionary support, social outreach, and community involvement. We are a leader in out support of the ministry of our South Carolina Synod and its institutions.

Information provided by Mr. Fred Vallejo