Saving Grace: Updates from both Churches
The Saving Grace Initiative has continued to gain exciting momentum at two important churches on Charleston's historic peninsula!
Last week, HCF and our partners were thrilled to see a much-needed temporary roof covering installed at the New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church (22 Elizabeth St.) — a critical intervention to advance the protection of this building’s incredible interior. The newly installed temporary roof covering is protecting an approximately 9,500SF slate roof. It will stop water infiltration and buy the needed time to develop a preservation plan for the church, a project that will be funded through two different grants that HCF helped to secure. Installation began on Monday, March 24th, and the HCF team was on site to take photos and videos of the installation. The work was carefully coordinated by partner Artis Construction and Florida-based company, Smart Tarp. The tarp was fully installed by the end of the week and is guaranteed to last for a minimum of 1 year.
Work at St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church is also ongoing. Last Saturday, March 22nd, the church hosted a clean-up day and members including Senior Warden Paul Brown, Junior Warden Mr. Colson, Mosetta Gadsden and her son, Roosevelt, Patrice Capers and her daughter, Patty Comfort-Capers, Marva Bounds, Ms. Vera, and several others pulled weeds, trimmed shrubs, and raked leaves to help maintain the grounds. Working alongside the dedicated congregation members, HCF National Advisory Council member, Gary Bunton, and Director of Preservation, April Wood, participated from HCF; and Amalia Leifeste, Carter Hudgins, Jackson Dent, and Thompson Teasdale participated from the Clemson Masters in Historic Preservation program. An extra special thank you to the congregation of St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church for organizing a wonderful morning with colleagues and friends.
Have you ever had the chance to see the interior or learn the history of the historic St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church? This year, we're fortunate to have the historic church featured on the Anson Street Tour on April 1 and April 3. Many members of the congregation will be at the church to share insight and history alongside graduate students from the Clemson Preservation program, volunteering and sharing their ongoing work. In addition, the church will be providing lemonade, seating, and restrooms to guests during our Festival — it is certain to be a popular stop!
HCF is honored to work alongside both historic congregations through the Saving Grace Initiative. Through our shared preservation goals and ongoing work, the Foundation has developed a remarkable friendship and partnership with both congregations that we deeply cherish.
Pictured below, Director of Preservation April Wood (center) with (right) Rev. Tyrone Manigo and Mrs. Aretha Manigo (New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church) and (left) Rev. Kenneth and Mrs. Bridget Shaw (St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church) at the Opening Night Party for Charleston by Design, March 13, 2025.
