The Town of Lexington, called Lexington Courthouse throughout the 19th century, was once home to the Southern Lutheran Seminary. Although the seminary began in what would become Pomaria, the death of the seminary’s 1st professor necessitated a move.

Lexington Courthouse was chosen as the new home in 1832. The seminary in Lexington was led by Dr. Ernest Hazelius, but was never that popular. Students of the seminary found Lexington Courthouse boring and had a difficult time finding affordable housing. Lutheran church leaders worried about some of the temptations in the town, aka alcohol. Due to this, the seminary was moved to Newberry in 1855.

The original seminary building and residence of Dr. Hazelius is one of 36 historic buildings at the 7-acre Lexington County Museum at 231 Fox Street in Lexington. For information call (803) 359-8369.

JR Fennell is director of the county museum and will be writing about its historic buildings and other local lore.