THE HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S, CONGAREE

St John's was organized in 1858 and a church building begun on land given by Dr. William Weston, who donated the Weston family cemetery and adjacent land. Prior to the building of the church, missionary services were held at the schoolhouse on Elm Savannah Plantation. Rev. Edward Reed, who organized the parish became the first rector. The first service was held on July 31. 1858 and on November 27 the church was consecrated.

In 1956 St. John's built a rectory on land bought for $1.00 from Mrs. Christian Tucker Weston, Mr. James Hopkins and Mr. Theodore Hopkins. The house was completed in 1957 and renovated in 1980. In 1965 a new parish house was completed and occupied. It was expanded in 1996 and again in 2001.

On December 26, 1981, St. John's burned to the ground. The cause was determined to be a malfunction of the furnace. A new church using the original plans was completed in October of 1982.

In January 1962 when the financial condition of St. John's was at a low point, the vestry decided to accept "mission" status after of 100 years as a parish. At the1987 Diocesan Convention, St. John's was again granted parish status.

St. John's has contributed three men to the ministry of the Episcopal Church: Edward McCrady Claytor, English Hopkins Weston and John Gorman Clarkson, Jr.

St. John's was established as a "Family Church" to serve families living within a "buggy ride" of the church. St. John's remains a "Family Church" with approximately 125 families and households. Our arms still reach out and surround not only those with long term ties, but to all who have joined our church family. St. John's continues a tradition begun during the ministry of the Rev. G. Croft Williams, when All Saint's Day was chosen as the annual Homecoming Day. Members and friends look forward to this annual event.

Attendence averages about 110 at two services each Sunday. Members come from a wide area, both urban and rural. We all share the love of the Church and commitment to service and worship. We welcome and seek new members.