St.John's Episcopal Church Congaree In the 1960s, the financial condition of St. John's Episcopal Congaree was at a low point. Since the 1870s, the church had operated as an "Aided Parish," subsidized financially through Diocesan funds. With the building of the Rectory in 1959, St. John's vestry was now expected to accept responsibility to the Diocese or accept "Mission" status. The "Mission" status was accepted by the vestry in 1962. At the same meeting the vestry of Zion made the same decision.

In January 1962, St. John's and Zion called the Rev. A. Joel Scott to serve both missions. Under his leadership, a new parish house was completed by 1965. Scott worked toward consolidating St. John's and Zion, but parishioners resisted leaving one building for the other, one cemetery for the other. Consolidation did not take place.

The church's finances improved over time, and property repairs and changes were made.

On December 26, 1981, the historic building burned to the ground. A malfunction of the furnace thermostat was believed to be the cause. Immediately, the congregation voted to rebuild, with the new church to be developed from the original plans but expanding each dimension by 14 percent (this later became 20 percent).

On December 26, 1981, St. John's Episcopal Church Congaree burned to the ground. The new building was dedicated November 7, 1982. Ten short months later, on November 7, 1982, the completed St. John's was dedicated at the annual All Saints Day Celebration and Homecoming.

By 1987, the church was granted parish status.

During a four- year period from 1990 to 1994, St. John's experienced uncharacteristic contention and discord. Plans for adding to the physical plant were confused by the submission of different architectural schemes and leadership suffered with turnover as two rectors came and went quickly. The sturdy congregation of St. John's endured through the turmoil, went ahead with construction of enlarged facilities, and settled down under new leadership.

The Rev. Jeffrey W. Meadowcroft presently serves as interim rector at St. John's.

Sarah Clarkson Moore writes that St. John's Episcopal Church Congaree was established as a Family Church to serve those within a buggy ride of the church. Sarah Clarkson Moore, member of St. John's, has written:

"St. John's was established as a Family Church, to serve a family living within a Buggy Ride of the church. Today, it is still a family church. Its arms reach out and surround all those with ancestral ties, but these same arms surround all those who have joined the church family."

Next week: St. John's

Birthday, Part Four:

Reminiscences