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On February 3, 1951, eight women met to discuss the possibility of organizing an Episcopal Church in the Augusta Road area of Greenville. Approximately 50 people attended the next meeting. After receiving the sanction of the Bishop, the group began conducting services in the cafeteria of August Circle Elementary School. A year later, the Diocese of Upper South Carolina accepted the church as a self-supporting parish. The first Holy Eucharist was celebrated in February 1952. By May, ground was broken for the parish hall and a chapel on the present site. Fire destroyed the sanctuary in 1969. Renovations were made that year and again in 1991. What began as a mission in 1951 continues to be a vibrant program-oriented church.
The entire building surrounds the garth, a lovely memorial garden which is filled with azaleas in all colors, numerous flowering bulbs, bird feeders, dogwood trees, and an old oak. Likewise the grounds of the church have various trees, crepe myrtles, bushes and flowers.
Members of the Church of the Redeemer are a family that centers life and relationships amongst those who bring us the greatest joy. Our members spend a great deal of time deeply committed to the growth and development of the parish. The people of the congregation spend time together, whether it is on a Sunday morning or at the many fellowship and outreach opportunities that are important to our church community. There is tremendous caring and concern about the people that make up this wonderful place to worship and we seek to learn about Christ and ways to become more like Him. Meaningful involvement in church life and feeling a sense of belonging in the church family are the most important values we share. Lay and clergy work together closely to plan and carry out goals for ministry within the church in the surrounding community. |
Our members, clergy and staff find great pride in the sanctuary where the principle focus is a contemporary wooden cross, in front of which is a beautiful wooden altar with hand-stitched altar cloth. Stained glass windows line one wall, coming brilliantly to life when the sun strikes them each morning.
Purser Hall, the original nave, is the largest gathering place, and is adjacent to a full kitchen. A fenced play area is easily accessible from the classrooms, nursery, and toddler room.