Edisto Island UMC began with summer services at the Edisto Beach Lions Club in 1987. Seven years later, members and local volunteers had built a sanctuary of their own on Palmetto Road.
Pictured: the sanctuary, dedicated August 28, 1994.
The line below is drawn to scale. The church went from first service to chartered congregation in nine years. Pick a year to read what happened.
Summer 1987
Ernest and Veda Godwin wanted a Methodist church on Edisto Island. With help from Rev. J.R. Jones and other members, weekly summer services began at the Edisto Beach Lions Club on Myrtle Street.
Monthly services were added in the off-season. Before long the congregation met every Sunday, all year.
June 26, 1993
As the church grew, Ernest Godwin and other members took on leadership, and Rev. Olene Civils of Bethel UMC in Walterboro began leading services. Luther Lee donated land for a sanctuary, modeled on the Methodist church in Havelock, North Carolina.
Members and local volunteers broke ground in June 1993, backed by a $35,000 allocation from the UMC Charleston District.
March – August 1994
The congregation held its first service in the sanctuary in March 1994, before the building was finished.
The completed sanctuary was dedicated on August 28, 1994.
June 1996
Edisto Island UMC's status changed from “Mission” to “Church.” It began with 60 charter members and 13 affiliate members.
August 2006
Nancie and Harold Greene opened the church's Clothes Closet, a thrift store selling gently used clothing and other items.
2015
The store was renamed in honor of the Greenes' work. It still supports the Edisto Island community and missions around the world.
Hours and donationsToday
The congregation gathers for worship, study, prayer, fellowship, and mission outreach, led by Rev. Len Ripley.
Meet Pastor Len
A church this young still carries its founders' names. These are the people the record credits.
Founders
Wanted a Methodist church on the island. Ernest later helped lead the young congregation.
Early support
Helped the Godwins start weekly services in 1987.
Early pastor
Came from Bethel UMC in Walterboro to lead services as the church grew.
The land
Donated the land on Palmetto Road where the sanctuary stands.
Clothes Closet
Opened the thrift store in 2006. It has carried Nancie's name since 2015.
Pastor today
Leads the congregation now. His story
Join us
Edisto Beach Lions Club
Myrtle Street · Summer Sundays
8193 Palmetto Road
Every Sunday · Worship 10:00 AM · Sunday School 8:40 AM