“A Ministry of Memory”
Invitation to join the South Carolina Conference Historical Society
Purpose
The South Carolina Conference Historical Society seeks to encourage the study and preservation of the history of Methodism in the South Carolina Conference, as well as its predecessor conferences. The Historical Society is a volunteer membership organization that works alongside the Conference Commission on Archives and History to promote historical preservation and awareness. It sponsors programs relating to the history of local churches as well as Methodism generally. It also seeks to support the work of archival preservation at the conference and local church levels.
The Historical Society believes its ultimate purpose is to serve as a “ministry of memory” for the Christian church as reflected in the Methodist tradition. We believe the preservation and study of history are important because history reminds us of the roots of our faith and unites us in the love of Christ through common bonds. We also recognize that the study of history is important because it teaches us how the church has functioned in the past within the contours of culture and society, providing valuable lessons for the church in its ministries today.
Membership
Membership in the Historical Society is open to anyone interested in Methodist history in South Carolina. The cost of membership is $15 per year or $100 for a life membership. As a member, you will receive a subscription to the Historical Society newsletter, The MARK, usually published three times a year. Members are invited to attend regular meetings of the Historical Society, which are held in the spring and fall at various locations around the state, as well as occasional special events. Ministers with an interest in history and local church historians are especially urged to join so they can share ideas, encourage each other and learn more about the broader history of Methodism within the state.
To join the Society, click here for a registration form. Please complete the form and return it with your check to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Society at the address on the form.
Officers
- President: The Rev. Meredith M. Dark
- Vice President: The Rev. Joseph D. Kovas
- Secretary-Treasurer: The Rev. Dr. Roger M. Gramling
- Editor, The Mark: The Rev. Dr. A.V. Huff Jr.
Current Projects
Restoration of the Burdine Lodge: The Historical Society raised funds to assist in the reconstruction and restoration of the “Burdine Lodge,” a rare log structure dating to the 1790s. Tradition records – and Bishop Francis Asbury’s journal tends to confirm – that Bishop Asbury used the lodge as a stopping place during several of his visits to the upcountry of South Carolina. The reconstructed and restored log home has been added to other exhibits at the Hagood Mill Historic Site to celebrate the pioneering influence of Methodism in early South Carolina religious life.
South Carolina Methodist Historical Trail: A list of approximately forty sites related to the history of Methodism in South Carolina is being developed. Sites are being selected which are representative of cities and counties, the upcountry and lowcountry, station and circuit churches, ethnic history, and missional and educational ministries. The Rev. Dr. A.V. Huff Jr., Conference Historian, is coordinating the project.
More Information
We always welcome the opportunity to talk about our Methodist history and the work of the South Carolina Conference Historical Society. Please contact:
- The Rev. Meredith M. Dark | mmdark@umcsc.org
- The Rev. Dr. Roger M. Gramling | gramlingrm@bellsouth.net
- The Rev. Joseph D. Kovas | jdkovas@umcsc.org
- The Rev. Dr. A.V. Huff Jr. | Conference Historian | av.huff@furman.edu
South Carolina Conference Historical Society Minutes:
Recommended Reading
The Calling and Challenges of Being a Local Church Historian
- By Ted A. Campbell, professor of church history at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University
A Brief History Of The Evangelical United Brethren Church
- By Rev. Roger M. Gramling, secretary-treasurer, South Carolina Conference Historical Society
The Passionate Journey Toward Merger
- By A. V. Huff Jr., South Carolina Conference Historian
