Clergy News: The Rev. Jeffrey R. Richardson to retire from Holy Communion, Charleston

The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina gives thanks for the ministry of the Rev. Jeffrey R. Richardson as he announces his retirement from active ministry. He will conclude his service as rector of the Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston, on February 21 after serving there since 2018. Father Jeff was ordained to the ministry in 2005 and served as vicar to both St. Alban’s, Kingstree, and St. Stephen’s, St. Stephen (2005-2018). In 2013, he accepted a third church, serving as vicar of St. Catherine’s, Florence (2013-2018). He answered the call to the Church of the Holy Communion in August 2018 as priest-in-charge, then in August 2019 he accepted the call as their sixteenth rector. He has also served the diocese in many ways, including his most recent term on the Standing Committee, where he served a full term as president and then six months later filled that position again when it was left vacant. He served on the Standing Committee until last year.
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In making the difficult decision to retire, Father Jeff and his wife Patty knew they wanted to spend more time with each other and their family, particularly their children and grandchildren. In a letter to the vestry and congregation, Fr. Jeff wrote that he and Patty will "always remember the glorious liturgy and music (certainly, some of the most beautiful on the peninsula), but mostly we will miss you and the feeling of community here at this church."

On the occasion of his retirement, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley offered the following words: "I first came to know Father Jeff during the bishop search process in his role as a mentor of the search committee. Immediately, I came to appreciate his deep spirituality, his grounded life of prayer and his thoughtful listening. Father Jeff has graced numerous churches in our diocese with his wise leadership. I am so grateful for his ministry and wish Patty and him every blessing in the season ahead."
 
O heavenly Father, Shepherd of thy people, we give thee thanks for thy servant Jeff, who was faithful in the care and nurture of thy flock; and we pray that, following his example and the teaching of his holy life, we may by thy grace grow into the stature of the fullness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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