History

In 1954, before the official organization of Rural Mission, volunteers from Bethel Methodist Church, Saint Matthew Lutheran Church and the Circular Congregational Church, all of Charleston, formed the Migrant Committee of Church Women United. Initially, activities spanned only six weeks or so during the summer vegetable season, when the sea islands had a large influx of migrant laborers.

As needs in other areas, such as health, housing and education were recognized, activities address these needs were expanded.

In 1959, the Committee hired a minister to serve as a connecting link between the migrants and the outside world. Willis T. Goodwin of Charleston, then a theology student in Atlanta, was hired to serve the area during the month of June. That year, a Bible School for the migrant children was started as an early experiment at the John's Island Camp for laborers. This program grew rapidly and was later moved to the present Esau Jenkins Opportunity Center (which was then "Camp Care"). Facilities were eventually moved into Haut Gap School on John's Island for two weeks each June.

The early 1960s brought more volunteers and more interest to the area. Operations were expanded. Crops failed from torrential rains, and this climatic disaster served as impetus for forming the S.C. Commission for Farm Workers in 1966.

The late Mrs. Marybelle Howe of Charleston and James Clyburn were driving forces in the development of this program

As the work of the Migrant Committee expanded, members realized that other areas had to be given assistance, such as specific health care and housing needs.

A federal grant was obtained for $80,000 to study the need for a rural health center, and from this came the Sea Island Comprehensive Health Clinic. Dr. Eldrid Heisel of Columbus, Ohio served as the first physician on a part-time basis for a period of one year.

In 1972, the first full-time physician, Dr. Harold J. Elliott, was employed to administer to the sick. The Rev. Willis T. Goodwin, Director of the Rural Mission, hired Miss Linda Dingle, then a student at the College of Charleston, as his secretary in the church office, and Linda, now Mrs. Gadson, became the full-time Director of Rural Mission in 1982 when Rev. Goodwin left John's Island to move to Sumter County to establish a similar program for the rural poor.

Original offices of the Mission were housed at Bethlehem united Methodist Church on Bohicket Road, John's Island, until 1982, when the present Mission site was situated on Bohicket Sound.

Over the ensuing years the services provided by Rural Mission have expanded. If there is a need and that need becomes known, the facilities and the staff at Rural Mission appear to be able to meet it, whether for food for the hungry, clothes for the bare backs, furnishings to replace a burned out home, day-care facilities for the youngsters, or spiritual guidance through the Prayer Group. All is provided by a loving spirit from an ever-increasing group of people who are dedicated, unselfish and giving prayerful attention to alleviate suffering among the poor on the sea islands of South Carolina.

In words of the Rev. Dr. Willis T. Goodwin, "Rural Mission has had its beginnings at the altar of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." In the words of the Rev. Ferdinando Pharr, who served as the first President of the Board of Directors, "Rural Mission came about from the love of many members of many denominations over the years, and it still continues to grow."