Starting in 1879, a group of island residents began diligently planning for the acquisition of a piece of property and the subsequent construction of a building where they could gather regularly to worship. There were fundraisers and work parties, with untold meetings both formal and informal, bringing together passionate people who shared a common purpose. It took a few years, but in 1881, the First Union African Baptist Church opened its doors. Since that time, there have been joyous events such as weddings and baptisms, somber events such as funerals, and the countless routine events of worship services and prayer meetings. There have also been some existential threats, including a fire that claimed the original structure in 1884 (our “new” church dates to 1885), and an aging of leadership that nearly closed the church in the 1960’s. But through the ups and downs, the church has persevered, to the point that, as we celebrated 142 years of service this past Sunday, it seems as though the church is as strong as ever.
On the same weekend that the church was celebrating 142 years, another group of island residents were diligently working towards bringing to fruition their dream of a new island institution that could serve our residents. For months a core team has been meeting and planning and scheduling and fundraising, for the purpose of opening the Daufuskie Island Independent School that could provide our island’s middle-school children with a world-class education opportunity that doesn’t require a daily ferry trip to the mainland. With a goal of beginning instruction this coming school year, the Daufuskie Island Independent School team hosted a major fundraising event this past Friday on the island, feeding a crowd of roughly 200 and hosting a successful auction.
I’m not one to attempt to predict the future. Tomorrow is promised to no one, so there’s no reason to sound authoritative while predicting what might happen a week from now, let alone ten years. However, if past experience is a guide, it suggests that any organization that wants to celebrate a 10th anniversary must begin by celebrating their 1st anniversary, and there will be times of celebration and times of threats (some even existential) in the process. Success will take commitment, a clear purpose, passion, and a bit of luck.
The Daufuskie Island Independent School team is committed to a clear and worthy purpose, and they are pursuing their goal with passion. I can’t do much about the luck part, but I am certainly willing to pray that their endeavor will be successful and prove to be a blessing to our community. Then perhaps one day, as future generations are preparing to celebrate 242 years of service at the First Union African Baptist Church, there will be a simultaneous celebration of 100 years of service at the Daufuskie Island Independent School.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron