While St. Christopher has been present on Seabrook Island since 1937, the island itself has a much longer history and may have been first inhabited as far back as 1400 BC by Native Americans. In 1684, the Stono Indians who occupied Seabrook Island were persuaded, or perhaps coerced, by the proprietary government of South Carolina to cede their land for distribution to English settlers. From that time until the early 20th century it was used mainly, to various degrees of success, as a plantation.

In 1938, the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina began the tradition of sponsoring a summer camp for youth on this property. Having begun camping in Bluffton in 1935 in what was described as ‘A very successful outing for twenty-five boys’, the Diocese of South Carolina held camps on Edisto Island in 1936 and 1937, before renting 6 acres on the beach from Victor Morawetz, who had purchased all of Seabrook Island in 1937 for recreational purposes. It was initially founded to provide a camp for underprivileged children. This tradition has continued annually, with the exception of 1939 (due to a Polio epidemic) and during World War II when the camp was held in the upstate (1942-48). In the beginning, the land was borrowed, later leased, and finally, in 1951, one thousand, four-hundred and eight (1,408) acres of Seabrook Island were donated to the Diocese. In 1971 though, due to a rapidly increasing tax burden and the need to do major work on the kitchen and dining room, the Diocese sold one thousand and one hundred (1,100) acres to the Seabrook Island Development Company. 

During the 1960’s St. Christopher, beginning with the Summer Camp, played a key role in the integration of the Diocese. The road to camp was first paved in 1973. Before this, campers would often be met at the beginning of the island (near Freshfields) and taken on a flatbed trailer towed by a tractor to camp. In 1973-74 the nucleus of the worshiping community on Seabrook began using the Chapel of the Palms for Sunday services for residents and guests. This group eventually became the Church of Our Saviour (now affiliated with the Anglican Church of North America).

In 1981, the Barrier Island Environmental Education Program for schools was founded. This program operates during the school year, from September to May, and is hugely successful, seeing over 10,000 students per year. Before this, the cabins had been used just during the summer.

In 1982, Saint Christopher funded an expansion, including the construction of the Temple Conference building. Two new cabins (9 & 10), the staff house (named after retired director Britt Lowry) and an expanded dining hall with kitchen, were added in 1992. In 1988 there was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of St. Christopher with the burial of a time capsule and the dedication of the picnic pavilion.

During the time of 2002-2003 major construction was also undertaken, this included; the Welcome Center, Jamie’s Lodge, the Multi-Purpose Building and additional expansions to the dining hall and health center.

In 2012, the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina experienced a painful schism, prompted by the Episcopal Church’s decisions to open the ordination process to LGBTQ folks, and to allow priests to bless same-sex marriages. As the schism unfolded, St. Christopher was initially claimed by the breakaway group, which later became affiliated with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). While the ACNA diocese was stewarding St. Christopher, they continued to offer inspirational summer camps, robust environmental education programs, and hospitality to diverse groups, including Episcopalians. This time also spanned the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the staff and board made valiant efforts to continue the ministry of St. Christopher’s, despite the impacts of social distancing, travel warnings, and staff reductions. 

After ten years of court proceedings, just as Covid restrictions were starting to ease, the Episcopal Diocese was awarded legal claim to St. Christopher by the South Carolina State Supreme Court. By mutual agreement between Episcopal bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, and ACNA bishop Chip Edgar, St. Christopher was transferred back to Episcopal stewardship in October 2022. All employees, with the exception of ACNA-affiliated priests, were invited to stay and happily most decided to continue their ministry here. Recognizing that Epsicopalians and ACNA members in South Carolina share common roots and deep history at St. Christopher, early summer camp registration and discounted conference center rates continue to be offered to both groups.

Just as it has been for 85 years, St. Christopher continues to be a place where all are invited to experience rest, restoration, and renewal, and to encounter the Living Christ. May God continue to provide for St. Christopher for generations to come!