140 Years of Mission and Ministry

St. John's is celebrating 140 years of ministry in Florence, SC.  Articles, anecdotes, pictures, and historical documents will be added to the website as the year unfolds.  Visit this page for new items that chart the history of our mission and ministry.
Overview of St. John's History
This article offers a concise history of the parish from its establishment through the extensive renovations of 2001.
St. John's Parish: 1866-1890
St. John's parish was established in 1866 in a railroad settlement that would become the hub of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
St. John's Parish: 1890-1901
The completion of St. John's current church building and the tenure of the "poet priest" Robert Barnwell marked this period of parish growth.
ECW History
A life-long St. John's parishioner offers an anecdotal history of the Episcopal Church Women of St. John's.
St. John's Parish: 1901-1906
The Rev. Harold Thomas awakens St. John’s missionary ministry.
St. John's Parish: 1907-1917
Mr. Thomas Continues His Vibrant Ministry
St. John's Parish: 1918-1946
St. John's Welcomes Parson Poynor
St. John's Parish: 1946-1954
The Rev. Louis Haskell brings Christian Education front and center.
St. John's Parish: 1955-1969
Racial Tensions/Integration Struggles Mark the Rectorship of Joseph R. Horn
St. John's Parish: 1970-1984
Growing Pains Threaten Spirit of Optimism During Tenure of Rev. Stephen Skardon
St. John's Parish: 1984-1988
Bright's Tenure Sees Continued Growth, Vibrant Parish Spirit
Stained Glass Windows Trace Parish History
In addition to their required function, the various furnishings and liturgical appointments that fill our church are tangible links to our history and to those who helped shape who we are as a parish today. Among the most beautiful and most cherished of these are the stained glass windows.
Photo Gallery
A Pictorial History of St. John's (article under construction)



St. John's, ca. 1900



 





St. John's, 2007            

                           

 

 

 

A rear view of the parish hall from 
Kathy's Garden.

 

 

 

 

A side view of the library/fellowship hall
across Kathy's Garden (named for
Kathy Dargan (1950-2004).
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to serving as a gathering
place for fellowship and an excellent
accoustical spot for concerts, the
parish hall houses Christian education
classrooms.



Sanctuary, 1960.  Note old altar,  
organ on left (now on right),
prie dieu (kneeling bench) for
priest in center of aisle.


Forward in Faith:
Time Line for Progress

1865
St. John’s founded (classroom and hotel)

1867
St. John’s Mission founded

1871
First church building consecrated at Darlington and Coit streets

1886
Extensively damaged by earthquake; abandoned building; services held above a store at Evans and Dargan streets

1887
Became a self-supporting parish

1889 – December
present building occupied

1890
Present building completed

1922
Parish Hall built as memorial to Mrs. Frances Church

1957
Parish founded All Saints’ Mission

1966
Church building renovated, additions to parish hall, education wing

1972 
O’Dowd Building completed

1986
Extensive repairs and renovation to parish hall and church house

1990
Several phases of Marvin Plan begun

1992
Greenberg property purchased; most of revised Marvin Plan completed

1994
Further property swaps and purchases

1995
Sunday School wing renovated with additions and improvements

1996
Plans for master plan for campus begun

1997 – 1998
Major church reinforcement & electrical improvements

1998
Purchase of McLeod property including Youth Building

1999
Bell tower, bells, and entranceway/hallway completed

2000
Forward in Faith Capital Campaign begun

2002
Completion and dedication of new buildings, renovations and parking

2004
Dedication of new chapel

2005
Completion of Kathy Dargan Garden

2006
Garden furniture acquired
Final property purchase made
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