Clergy News: All Saints, Hilton Head Island
The Reverend Denise Trogdon, rector of All Saints, Hilton Head Island, announced to her congregation last week that she will be retiring, effective June 1, 2026. “With mixed emotion, I share the news that 2026 will be my year to retire,” she said in the announcement. “This is my 40th year of full-time work, my 18th…
The Rev. Cn. Wilmot Merchant Elected Suffragan Bishop in Liberia
We have unexpected, yet joyful, news to share. On Friday, March 13, during the 90th Annual Convention of The Episcopal Church of Liberia, the Reverend Canon Wilmot Merchant II—rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in North Myrtle Beach—was elected as one of two suffragan bishops for two dioceses in Liberia. His nomination came from the…
The Rev. Will Berry Called as Rector of St. James, Charleston on James Island
At the request of the vestry of St. James Episcopal Church in Charleston (on James Island), Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Rev. Will Berry to serve as the next rector of this historic church of our diocese. Father Will has served as associate rector for families and formation at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in…
March 8, 2026: St. James, Charleston Visitation
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley visited St. James, Charleston (on James Island) on March 8, 2026. She preached, celebrated the Holy Eucharist, and confirmed and received new members. It was also announced late last week that the Rev. Will Berry has been called as their next rector. During her visitation on Sunday, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley dedicated altar…
‘Three Churches United in Summerville’ Featured for their Growing Ministries by The Episcopal Church
On Tuesday, February 24, three of our Episcopal churches in Summerville were featured on the weekly call offered by the Office of Government Relations (of The Episcopal Church) and Episcopal Migration Ministries to discuss the changing landscape of U.S. immigration, refugee, and migration policy. Clergy representing the Three Churches United in Summerville (St. George’s, Good…
Clergy News: The Reverend Chris Huff, 1956-2026
It is with great sadness that we share the news that the Reverend Chris Huff, a beloved child of God and son of our diocese, died Wednesday morning, March 4, 2026. Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley joins the people of the diocese in grieving his death and remembering him fondly. “From my very first meeting of Father Chris,…
Diocesan Leadership Bodies Gather for Retreat
Members of two key leadership bodies of the diocese (Diocesan Council and Standing Committee) gathered in retreat earlier this week at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center along with Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and diocesan staff. The majority of our Trustees were unable to attend this meeting and will gather at a later date. The gathering…
Sacred Ground Session Concludes at Calvary, Charleston
Participants in the latest diocesan-wide offering of Sacred Ground, concluded the session with an in-person event at the Historic Calvary Episcopal Church in Charleston on Saturday, February 28. The session was facilitated by members of the diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission. Sacred Ground is a program sponsored by The Episcopal Church that promotes racial reconciliation…
St. Mark’s, Charleston Receives $500,000 Grant
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced yesterday that St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Charleston has been awarded a $500,000.00 grant through the organization’s fourth annual Preserving Black Churches program. Grants were awarded to 33 historically Black churches totaling $8.5 million. The $500,000 grant to St. Mark’s will be used…
A Word From the Bishop On Ash Wednesday in Black History Month
February 18, 2026 Dear Diocesan Family, As we approach Holy Lent in the middle of Black History Month, I want to take a moment to remind us all of the courage upon which our diocese is anchored. Our diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission has done outstanding work convening conversations and written materials chronicling the lives of…
Youth Enjoy a Wonderful Experience at Happening #8
Happening #8 was a huge success last weekend! Hosted by St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center, the amazing youth staff, led by Rector Addy Lanz, shepherded 11 youth participants in a joy- and music-filled retreat where they enjoyed the mountain top and prepared for the work that awaits all of us when we return to our everyday life….
February 8, 2026: St. Thomas, North Charleston Visitation
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley visited St. Thomas, North Charleston (Park Circle) on Sunday, February 8, 2026. She preached, celebrated the Eucharist, and confirmed three new members (including a grandfather and his grandson!). The Rev. Matthew McCormick serves as rector at St. Thomas.