St. John's Parish was organized in 1858, marking the beginning of a long and faithful journey in the life of our congregation.  The original church was built on the century-old Weston family property, a peaceful location that became the heart of our spiritual community.

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Before the church building existed, missionary services were held in the schoolhouse on Elm Savannah Plantation. Among the visiting clergy was The Rev. Edward Reed, a deeply devoted and gifted preacher.  He formally organized the parish and served as our first Rector.  The first service in the new church building took place on July 31, 1858, and the church was consecrated on November 27, 1859, by Bishop Thomas F. Davis.

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Tragically all church records were destroyed when Columbia was burned by Gen. Sherman's army on Feb. 17, 1865. 

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Why "Congaree"?

According to the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, our official name is St. John's Episcopal Church, Hopkins.  Yet we proudly identify ourselves as St. John's Episcopal Church, Congaree, in Hopkins.

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The name honors a former railroad stop know as Congaree, once located on Air Base Road near the McEntire runway.  Although the station disappeared as train service changed over the years, our church continues to preserve its memory and local heritage by keeping "Congaree" in our name.  

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Resilience Through Difficult Times

St. John's has withstood seasons on hardship, including Reconstruction and the Great Depression.  Even during periods without a rector, regular worship never ceased.  Our survival is owed to generations of dedicated lay readers and faithful parish members who ensured the life of the church continued uninterrupted.  

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Homecoming Day

One of our most cherished traditions is Homecoming Day, inaugurated in 1921 by the Rev. G Croft Williams. Held on All Saint' Day, Homecoming invites members past and present to gather at their Mother Church for worship, Holy Communion, fellowship and a joyful lunch.  It remains a beloved annual celebration where friends and relatives reunite and renew bonds.  

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Fire and Restoration

On December 26, 1981, tragedy struck when the original church building was completely destroyed by fire.  Reconstruction began early the next year, following the original architectural plans.  

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By October 1982, the new church was completed.  On November 7, 1982, Bishop William A. Beckham consecrated the restored St. John's Church and dedicated its furnishings.  Our rebuilt sanctuary stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and community support.

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The St. John's Banner

In the early 1990's, the parish wanted a banner for use at conventions.  Parishioners Jo Bortz and Wilma Rose Davis volunteered to create one.  The banner features an eagle, one of the four creatures described around God's throne in Revelation 4:7, and the traditional symbol of St. John the Evangelist, our patron saint. 

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Jo Bortz spent nine months needlepointing the intricate eagle, and Wilmas Rose devoted another month to crafting the banner foundation.  Today, the banner hangs to the right of the pulpit, faithfully representing our church at home and beyond.  

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The Living History

St. John's Episcopal Church has a long, rich and resilient story - one shaped by faith, community love and perseverance. We invite you to become part of our enduring journey...