A reflection on St. John’s early years in the March 22 issue of The Good News Extra recalled the work of the Reverend William Alexander Guerry to see the completion of the current church building in 1890, and the two short terms of leadership served by the “poet priest,” Robert Woodward Barnwell. Mr. Barnwell left Florence in 1901 to serve as assistant rector at St. Luke’s in Atlanta, leaving St. John’s without a rector for four months.

The Reverend Harold Thomas began his tenure in September 1901, having previously served at missions in Columbia and Lexington. Thomas was an 1899 graduate of the College and University of the South; he was born in Charlotte. In Refugees and Remnants, author Nick Zeigler describes Thomas as enthusiastic and gregarious, writing that “he hit the ground running. His ministry in Florence was an example of the evangelical movement, unbound, and with enthusiasm unleashed.” ¹

Thomas served two terms of leadership at St. John’s. During the first term, 1901-1905, he worked to develop a strong ministry to the population of East Florence. Among his accomplishments were the following:

• Organized a mission in East Florence near the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad station
• Held services for black children
• Had interdenominational Sunday schools for children living in East Florence
• Held services at the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad shops for working men

Citing a September 1901 clipping from The Florence Times, Zeigler writes that in his first sermon at St. John’s, “Thomas stated that he had nothing great to promise the parish except faithful service. His goal would be to build up the church—the work of the church, and the blessings of the church. … Above all, he wanted ‘each and every member of the congregation to help him’ do his work.” ²

The 1904 Diocesan Convention was held at St. John’s. During his address, Bishop Ellison Capers praised the growth of both St. John’s and the town of Florence. Bishop Capers cited several statistics to support his observations (see box below) and summarized his remarks by saying, “These facts reflect praise and honor upon the brethren who have labored to build the walls of Zion, and should encourage us all, dear brethren to more faith and zeal in our work. All hail to the Florence of today, and all hail to the thriving city of tomorrow! All praise to the St. John’s of 1868, and all honor, peace and happiness to our host of 1904.” ³

Mr. Thomas’ first term came to an end upon his acceptance of a call to St. James Church in Wilmington. Sadly, his successor quickly closed the East Florence mission and discontinued the services offered for the railroad workers. The Reverend W.E. Callender did establish a mission in Timmonsville and stated in a 1905 report to the diocesan convention that he expected its members to build a church “at any early date.” ⁴ Callender was also responsible for Christ Church in Mars Bluff.

Callendar resigned his 11-month term as rector on December 1, 1906. The parish was once again without clergy leadership for four months. Their wait was rewarded, however, by the return of Harold Thomas on March 1, 1907, who remained until June 1, 1917. His vibrant ministry will be further addressed in the next issue of The Good News Extra.