In the spring of 1999, St. Matthew’s members looked ahead to the 21^st Century by renewing their commitment to community ministry.

The plan included a $1.2 million Capital Fund Appeal for the purpose of restoration of the building next door to be used as a community outreach center.  The facility won the 2000 Carolopolis award from the city of Charleston and now is beginning its second decade as home to the services offered to youth and families in our neighborhood.  In 2011, the church changed the name of the center from the Outreach Learning Center at St. Matthew's to the Community Center of St. Matthew's to better reflect the unity of purpose we share with everyone in the area to build a strong, healthy and prosperous community.

St. Matthew’s sits in the heart of inner city Charleston, South Carolina, where our neighbors range from the affluent to families struggling to survive. Church members recognized this opportunity and undertook a mission to serve God’s people in our community by connecting families with available resources.

For more information on St. Matthew's German Evangelical Lutheran and the Community Center visit the Church's Wikipedia page

"Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.  "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet."    John 13:12 & 14