History of University Lutheran

Lutheran services at Clemson College began as early as 1920 with the monthly visitation by pastors in the upper part of South Carolina.  In 1927, the Reverend Ben Clark, pastor of St. John’s Church in Walhalla, began to meet with Lutheran students at Clemson on Wednesday evenings.  Through these meetings the Lutheran Student Association at Clemson was established and this organization has continued to be active to the present. Pastor Clark soon began to hold services every Sunday morning.    

In the late 1940’s the Luther League of South Carolina provided a gift for the purchase of a lot in Clemson at 120 Sloan Street near the campus.  Pastor Clark led in the building of a modern church and student center completed in 1950 at a cost of $41,000.  Gifts from the South Carolina Synod, the Division of College and University Work of the National Lutheran Council, and friends across the state also supported these efforts.

The Rev. Enoch D. Stockman was called in July of 1951 by the Synod and the Division of College and University Work to become the pastor to students and resident Lutherans in the Clemson area.  On November 4 of that same year, a congregation of 42 baptized and 29 confirmed members was organized.  In 1954 a parsonage was built by the congregation with the help of the Division of College and University Work, NLC and in 1961 the Division again aided in the purchase of six small lots adjoining the church property.

In 1966 construction was begun on the new campus center and educational building to house the growing activities of the Campus Ministry at Clemson University.  This addition was erected at a cost of $105,000 and was dedicated on November 19, 1967.

By 1976 the size of the congregation and the different requirements of pasturing to the community and college members required the addition of a second pastor, and Pastor Ronald Luckey was called.  Pastors Copenhaver and Luckey teamed well together in establishing a ministry that meets the dual requirements of the congregation.

Pastor Copenhaver left the congregation in 1982 and Pastor Steven Plonk was called as his replacement.  Pastor Luckey resigned in 1987 and Pastor Debra Clark came as his replacement.  The congregation continued to grow under Pastors Plonk and Clark and a new sanctuary was built for $140,000 and dedicated in 1989.

Pastor Grant resigned in 1992 and Pastor Christopher Heavner was called as Campus Minister in 1993.  Pastor Heavner’s emphasis on community involvement and his leadership in social ministry principles has lead to continued growth and strength in this ministry.

Pastor Plonk resigned in 1997 to pursue a career in pastoral counseling.  Pastor Larry Hartsell was called in 1998.  Pastor Hartsell has brought a renewed commitment to Christian education to University Lutheran.  The team of Pastors Heavner and Hartsell continues to build and strengthen the ministries of University Lutheran Church.

Pastors:
Ben M. Clark—Pastor of St. John’s, Walhalla.  Conducted services from 1929 to June 30, 1951
Ernest D. Stockman--May 1, 1951 to May 6, 1968
Wilmer Eugene Copenhaver--January 1, 1969 to June, 1982
Ronald Grinnell Luckey--July 1, 1977 to May 31, 1987
G. Steven Plonk—January 8, 1984 to May 31, 1997
Debra Ruth Grant—January 15, 1988 to September, 1992
Christoper S. Heavner—June 15, 1993 to present
Larry F. Hartsell—April 1, 1998 to present