Bishop Calls the Rev. Cn. Calhoun Walpole to Lead First Returning Congregation

The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Rev. Cn. Calhoun Walpole to lead St. John's, Johns Island, which is likely to be the first congregation to return to our diocese and The Episcopal Church since the diocesan schism in 2012.

Canon Walpole currently serves as vicar and subdean at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston and formerly served as archdeacon of the diocese. She announced to Grace Church Cathedral on Sunday, June 19, that she has accepted the bishop's call to serve for a time at St. John's.

"Bishop Ruth, with Dean Michael’s encouragement, has asked me to step in to serve St. John’s for a brief season in order to begin the process of rebuilding and restoring the parish as an Episcopal church," said Cn. Walpole. "After much prayer and consideration, I have agreed to serve. It is my home parish. It is St. John’s who first taught me how to serve and who sent me into the world to serve. If I can now serve St. John’s during this tumultuous time, I am willing and ready to do so."

Bishop Woodliff-Stanley expressed her appreciation to Cn. Walpole for serving in a such a meaningful way at this important time in the life of our diocese. “I am deeply grateful to Cn. Walpole for accepting the call to serve at St. John’s, Johns Island, for this season, and lead it back to The Episcopal Church," said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. "St. John’s was Callie’s home parish where her ministry began. She is a native of the Sea Islands and understands the deep and rich history of St. John’s, founded in 1734 and one of the first churches in the Diocese of South Carolina. Callie is gifted and faithful servant of our diocese. Through her wise leadership, informed by her deep love of this place, she has been instrumental in helping so many congregations navigate through the difficult days of the schism, working tirelessly to help Episcopalians who lost their church homes take root in new locations. We are grateful to her for all that she has done and for all that she will continue to do, as she helps to rebuild St. John’s and welcome this treasured community of faith back home to The Episcopal Church.” 

Plans are still being finalized as to the first Sunday when Cn. Walpole will serve, which could be as soon as mid-July. More information will be shared about her first Sunday at St. John's as soon as it has been confirmed. Continued prayers are requested as the diocese continues into this season of transition and restoration.

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