Episcopalians in the Southern Deanery Discuss the Future of the Episcopal Church in the Growing Area

On August 3, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley gathered with a group of faithful Episcopalians in the Southern Deanery to discuss the future of The Episcopal Church in the area, with a focus on whether there is room for growth and a church plant in the Okatie, Hardeeville, and Bluffton areas--southern Jasper and Beaufort counties, south of the Broad River. Jasper County was the state's fastest-growing county from 2020-2022 and the population of Beaufort County is expected to double in the next 15-20 years. 

The meeting was well attended by church members from throughout the area, and led by the Very Rev. Roy Tripp, rector of St. Mark's, Port Royal, who also serves as Dean of the Southern Deanery. The future of the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement is bright in this area of our state that has seen tremendous growth in recent years (that is likely to continue). The discussion also included talk about the expansion of The Episcopal Church in Okatie with a more permanent church home. The Episcopal Church in Okatie has continued to thrive, and celebrated their 10th anniversary earlier this year; and there is clear support from the diocese for supporting the continued growth of this congregation. The church is located in Ridgeland, in Jasper County, with the area of Okatie nearby expanding into neighboring Beaufort County. Stay tuned for future updates, and see more photos from the event last week on Facebook at this link.

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