Our History

The organizational meeting of Saint Mary's was held at Irmo High School on September 8, 1974. Twenty-four families petitioned Bishop Alexander of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina to call a vicar and establish Saint Mary's as a mission. The Rev. John M. Haynes was called as vicar and served as Rector until his retirement in December, 1986. Ground was broken at the Tram Road site on October 26, 1975, and the first building—now incorporating the choir room, meeting rooms, and our hospitality area—was dedicated on March 21, 1976. The church was recognized as a self-supporting parish on December 18, 1978.

In June of 1979, the Mary Meech Mungo Memorial Chapel was dedicated. The chapel was a gift from Mr. Michael J. Mungo in memory of his wife. On May 2, 1982, the expanded sanctuary and the Christian Education Building were dedicated. When Father Haynes retired in 1986, the Education Building was renamed in his honor. Following Father Haynes' retirement, the Rev. Chris Clements served as interim priest.

The Rev. Robert C. Wisnewski, Jr. became the rector in July of 1987. He served our parish for nine years and left in August, 1995. During his years of guidance and leadership, Saint Mary's experienced growth in commitment, stewardship, and awareness of the community and the world beyond our church. The Rev. Charles Spigner and the Rev. Clyde Ireland served in interim capacities during the search for his successor.

In August of 1996, the Rev. J. Blaney Pridgen, III, was called as Rector, and in March 1997, the Rev. Ellen J. Hanckel became our Priest Assistant. Under their combined leadership, Saint Mary's continued to grow and become one of the most influential and innovative parishes in our area.
In the Fall of 2001, Rev. Hanckel answered a call to another parish, and left in January 2002.  The Rev. Chris Clements re-joined the staff as Priest Assistant on a part-time basis.  D'Rue Hazel became the Assistant to the Rector for Parish Administration and Pastoral Care, and Daniel Burbage became the Assistant for Christian Formation and the Director of Youth Activities. The parking area was expanded, giving us access from St. Andrews Road as well as Tram Road. We continued to grow, with new faces each week and a growing awareness of living  evangelism.

The years 2004-2005 saw several changes as Daniel Burbage left to go to seminary, and later d'Rue Hazel was ordained and became the Dean of The School for Ministry in the Diocese.  Daniel was followed by Barbara Mitchell as interim Youth Director, and in the summer of 2005 by Caroline Dasher as full-time Youth Director.  Judy Stephens became the Parish Administrator. Fr. Pridgen took a 90-day sabbatical to the Holy Land while Fr. Clements maintained our ministry to the community. In the Fall of 2005, Deacon Susan Parlier joined the staff on a part-time basis. A Ministry to the Deaf is planned, and several people have begun to practice sign language to prepare for this. 

An important addition was made in 2005 when we added a monthly Spanish-language service to our Sunday schedule. This grew quickly, and in the Fall of 2005 we began a weekly 12:30 Spanish Mass. During Advent 2005 we included a version of an important Mexican tradition for the whole parish to celebrate together: Las Posadas, a commemoration of the journey of Mary and Joseph from place to place until they found refuge in Bethlehem-- Feliz Navidad!

In Spring of 2006 Deacon Ann Pilat also joined the staff as Deacon for Diocesan Hispanic Ministries based at St. Mary's. She will assist the Rev. Alfredo "Fred" Gonzalez—a long-time member of St. Mary’s--as he works with our Hispanic Ministry. An office was dedicated to Hispanic Ministries, language classes were offered, and a support group for Hispanic Domestic Abuse began to meet weekly.

Outreach continued to Haiti, to Thailand, and to a number of local mission efforts. "Charity Sunday" on the first Sunday began during the summer of 2006 to offer the opportunity to make  personal donations to local charity efforts.

Our journey continues as we work together to make Christ's Great Commission a reality in our community and world.