Daughters of the King Chapter Reinstituted at Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant

As five churches have returned to The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of South Carolina over the past year, ministries both old and new have continued to grow and thrive, including the Order of the Daughters of the King. First instituted in 1920, the Daughters of the King (DOK) chapter at Christ Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant was reinstituted on Sunday, September 17, 2023 with a reaffirmation of vows by 11 members of Christ Church who are existing DOK members from previous chapters, known as daughters-at-large. By reaffirmation of the promises made at baptism and confirmation, Daughters of the King pledge themselves to a lifelong program of prayers, service, and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of their parish.

Christ Episcopal Church was reunited with The Episcopal Church and the historic Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina in September 2022 after nearly a decade of division. Sunday’s event was a joyous occasion led by the church’s rector, the Rev. Furman Buchanan and the Rev. Brooks Boylan, associate rector. The President of the South Carolina Daughters of the King Assembly, Ms. Kester Heaton, also participated in the service.

“I am thrilled to be able to restore the Order of the Daughters of the King at Christ Episcopal Church,” said Father Buchanan. “These 11 women who had been faithful in congregations on both sides of the diocesan schism now serve as an outward and visible sign of the unity, love, prayer, and service to which we are fully committed at Christ Episcopal Church.”

Ms. Bonny Collins and Ms. Tricia Elliott have led the efforts to restart this ministry at Christ Church, where it was last reinstituted in 1996 and remained active until 2021. In a statement, Collins and Elliott shared that they are “grateful for the opportunity to reestablish this chapter.” Now that the chapter has been reinstituted, the members will work to install permanent leadership and provide opportunities for new members to join.
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The Order of the Daughters of the King is open to women and girls ages seven and older who desire a closer walk with Lord. Daughters follow a daily Rule of Life, fulfilling the vows of prayer and service. Learn more about The Order online at www.doknational.org.

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