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History of the Church of the Holy Comforter “The Church in Sumterville – May 1857. Church of the Holy Comforter.” These words, written by Reverend T. F. Davis, Jr., son of Bishop Davis, announced the beginning of Holy Comforter Church. All that has transpired in the history of Holy Comforter from that day until this came after these words were written. They have survived the rigors of time, and the original words in Register Book No. 1 may still be read today, just as the spirit of God can still be felt today within the walls of this sacred structure. It all began when the handful of Episcopalians residing in Sumterville grew tired of meeting in homes and other churches and decided to organize for the purpose of building an Episcopal church in Sumterville. Mrs. Elizabeth Buford gave a lot on the corner of South Main and what was soon to become Bartlette Street, and the lot was purchased from Mr. Julius L. Bartlette. Mr. Joseph H. Long of Charleston was the architect and builder of the new church that was consecrated on February 18, 1859, and he and his fiancé were the first couple married in it. Shortly, however, he was to march past the little church on his way to the Battle of Dingle’s Mill on Sunday April 9, 1865, during the War Between the States. He and several others were killed by the advancing troops of General Edward Potter as they fought their way toward Sumterville. General Potter’s army used the church for a hospital and the altar as an operating table. In 1905, after approximately fifty years of service at the original site, the small wooden structure was rolled on logs down Main Street, and en route to our current location, Sunday services were held as usual in the church in the middle of Main Street. Our present church was completed in 1909, and cost approximately $20,000, including furnishings and the original organ. No history of Holy Comforter would be complete without saying that on June 20, 1916, the beloved Reverend J. Bentham Walker became rector and remained in that capacity for 32 years, and he then became Rector Emeritus in January 1948. Mr. Walker, as he was referred to, was known by all in Sumter as a true saint. He was a true shepherd, not only of this parish but also to the entire community. He visited every patient in Tuomey Hospital every day regardless of denomination. Walker Hall was named in his honor and his portrait hangs in the church offices. This small space does not allow the reporting of many significant events and numerous fine priests impacting the history of the Church of the Holy Comforter, but it certainly could not end without mentioning our present rector, the Reverend Dr. John MacReadie Barr III. Dr. Barr has brought rare gifts of teaching and the sharing of his abundant knowledge of the Bible, coupled with his leadership in matters spiritual and worldly to Holy Comforter, the community and the Diocese. Under his guidance, Bank of America made it possible for us to buy the bank building next door and convert it into our Parish Life Building, an extension of Holy Comforter Church, bearing the gospel further into the heart of the community. Julia R. Reynolds and Emma B. Anderson said in their 1959 history of our church, “As we look back on past growth, evidenced in the outward and visible signs of material structures, it is our hearts’ prayer to God that we may grow proportionately in that inward and spiritual grace which is the true and living church.” Their words are as appropriate today as they were then. L. Stanley DuBose |