Star Gospel Mission Fall 2012 The Newsletter of the Star Gospel Mission, Charleston, South Carolina Shining brightly since 1904 Transforming hearts and lives through Jesus Christ Putting the past in the past By Pastor Christian. An interview with a cur- Did you ever graduate? would fight. rent resident, Carl Hey- I didn’t. Four years of col- 474 Meeting Street ward What do you recall about lege, no degree. your relationship with The Rev. William K. Christian Tell me a little bit about God during those years? yourself. Executive Director I’ve got to relate that to my Tel. 843-722-0980 I grew up in Orangeburg, brother Todd. There were SC, the older of two boys, times when we would and lived there until age dress up in my Mom’s and 19. I was somewhat of an aunt Lotti’s choir robes. § outstanding basketball We played church. We player in SC. In my soph- would pretend to preach. Board of Directors omore year I was voted One day my brother Todd Best of the Rest. Two Di- got really excited about James Buxton, Chairman vision One schools recruit- preachin’ and that’s when I Dr. Thomas Cook ed me. I ended up with a realized that there was Dan David full scholarship to Alder- something special about son Broaddus College in Chris Dugan Carl Heyward going to church. I noticed Philippi, WV. a difference in him and in Manly Eubank Tell me a little bit more myself. We were baptized, David H. Garner So you went to college on about your life growing and what I understood was John Ott a full scholarship. How up in Orangeburg with that once I was baptized I did that go? your parents and brother James Kerr was saved. But did I live before you left for col- Dwight L. Moody, Jr. College and basketball did- that life? No. I didn’t William Moody, Jr. n’t go well for me. In my lege. learn to depend on God John L. Pardee, Jr. freshman year I started I would say it was a house until years later. drugs and alcohol for the divided. My mother W. Reid Patrick, Jr. Could you describe what first time in my life and it played the organ at one of John A. Stuhr happened after you left was all downhill from the local churches. We did W. Floyd Whitfield college? there. I ended up in three go to church every Sun. different schools because Daddy didn’t go. He’d I actually had professional of the drugs and alcohol. only go every blue moon. tryouts after that for over- § In my senior year, my bas- He was a drug addict; he seas teams. I had offers, ketball scholarship was cut was what you would call a but I turned them down. I due to grades. I was functional addict. He al- was livin’ with a young placed on academic proba- ways helped out and al- lady in Nashville, I was Design and layout: tion and eventually cut ways paid the bills. Every workin’ two jobs, and from the roster. Ben Bennett now and then he and Mom Continued, page 4 Page 2 The Star Gospel Mission From the Executive Director This is the time of year when many of us review our financial blessings and consider making charitable contributions for the current year and annual commitments for the year to come. As you make those commitments, I sincerely hope that you will consider making a generous gift to the Star Gospel Mission, Charleston’s oldest not-for-profit Christian welfare organization, circa 1904. For over 108 years we have been serving the homeless and needy throughout this community in a very significant way, by assisting them with housing, food, clothing, rent, utilities assistance, emergency medical and transportation needs, and a wide array of other services.

Please note that the Mission is a 501c3 organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Also note that we do not receive any monies from the local, state or federal government! Your generosity will help transform the lives of men who are in need of a second chance and a brand new beginning. Our thanks to you in advance of your generous gift! Always remember that the giver is the primary beneficiary of the gift.

Faithfully yours,

The Rev. William K. Christian, III

A Life Well Lived His kindness and spirit of and undefiled before God and generosity toward these the Father is this: to visit or- In remembrance of Furman Fletcher Cole, 1947 -2012 men was self-evident, and phans and widows in their yet always without want- affliction.” James 1:27. Furman Cole passed away Furman was selflessly de- ing to bring credit to him- on August 30 at the age of voted to his wife of 38 self. What he did for the 64. Furman served as years, Martha, and his two Mission was always done That’s exactly what Furman Chairman of the Board at daughters, Elizabeth and without any fanfare and Cole did! One of his friends the Star Gospel Mission Ellen. He was a member with a very humble heart. told me that “Furman was uni- for over 20 years. He was of St. Michael’s Episcopal versally loved and regarded born in Charleston on Oc- Church, The Society of by everyone that knew him. tober 27, 1947. After Colonial Wars, Saint An- That emanated from his gen- serving in the Navy for drews Society, Sons of the erosity of spirit. He always four years, he attended the American Revolution, The spoke from his heart, he loved Citadel, graduating with a New England Society, The his family deeply; that came BA in history in 1973. Charleston Club and The from his true character and he Furman and his identical Carolina Yacht Club. He always placed those values twin brother, Roy, went on also served as Vice Presi- first.” to establish R.F. Cole dent of The Agricultural Construction Company Society. Furman gave so much of him- and Brewers Paint Center. self to the Star Gospel Mis- The same boundless com- sion and he will be sorely mitment he showed to his As Chairman of the Board missed. For a life well lived, historic renovation of at the Star Gospel Mission, for a faith beautifully ex- homes in downtown Furman was deeply com- pressed through how he lived, Charleston and Yeoman’s mitted to a strong ministry and for the life he now lives, Hall Club was also evident reaching out to formerly life with God, eternal life, we in his tireless dedication to homeless men in Charles- Furman Cole say: thanks be to God! the community and espe- ton. He possessed a heart Faithfully, cially the Star Gospel Mis- and passion for these or- In his epistle, James writes sion. phaned men in our society. that “Religion that is pure Pastor Christian Shining Brightly for 108 years Page 3

Volunteers from the St. Vin- Left to Right, Maggie Schachte, Mary Moody and cent DePaul Society and Elisa Cheney, from Charleston law firm Dr. George Orvin bringing all the fixins’ The Neighborhood House. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, loading the Mission for Christmas Dinner to residents at the van with Thanksgiving Dinner, 2011. Mission.

A MAN’S WORST MOMENT IS NOT THE SUM OF HIS LIFE!

We can learn from our mistakes and grow from our failures. Volunteers who helped hand out 1,000 $50 Dr. Tom Cook and The Rev. William Good Cheer Fund food gift cards. Christian after receiving a $5,505.00 check from the Exchange Club of Charleston for the renovation of 89 Nassau Street.

Always remember that: THE PRIMARY BEN- EFICIARY OF THE GIFT IS THE GIVER. Please join us in keeping the ministry of the Star Gospel Mission thriving by sending your tax de- Serving at the Grace Church Tea Room. Left ductible contributions in to Right are: The Rev. Philip Porcher, M.E. the envelope enclosed. Colin Kerr and Aaron Gruber, young Canaday, The Rev. William Christian. All adult leaders at Second Presbyterian de- Tea Room proceeds go to supporting local livering a pizza dinner for residents at charities like the SGM. the Mission. Page 4 The Star Gospel Mission

Putting the past in the past (cont. from Page 1) thought that what I was doin’ was could tell my wife that I was enough for me. I talked with my doing something for us. Then I father one day who was living in got stationed at Ft. Hood, TX. NY. He was there because he and In 1988 I brought my wife and my mother had gotten into a fight her daughter there and in 1989 and he pushed my mother and I we got married. We attended drew back to hit him. He put his 76th Street Chapel. My wife hands up to stop me and I told joined the choir and I coached him, don’t you ever put your hands the women’s softball team. I on my mother again. Shortly after went to serve in the Gulf War The line for the Star Gospel Mission that, he left and never came back. for eight months. When I got food card giveaway. back, my wife had moved back What happened after that? to SC and the bottom fell out of Photo courtesy of . Dad and I always stayed in touch. my life. The girlfriend I was living with in Why do you say the bottom Nashville got into it one night and GOD’S GOODNESS I told myself that night, if I don’t fell out? leave here I’ll never leave. I went Because I went back to that life IS BIGGER THAN to NY and found my father who of drugs and alcohol. I was up- OUR BADNESS. was living with my Grandmother. set that my wife left. I was up- Long story short, there was still set that while I was over there I GOD’S POWER TO the drug addiction, he was sellin’ got promoted and when I got drugs and still usin’ drugs. I really back there wasn’t more cash in FORGIVE IS got involved. After three years I my bank account, so I started to GREATER THAN left NY in 1985. Dad died two get in trouble. OUR ABILITY TO weeks after I left. I went back to What kind of trouble? my mothers in Orangeburg and the SIN. drug addiction got even worse. Late for formations and fights. I told myself one day that I need- Did you ever sell drugs? ed to get out before they put me Yes, sometimes. The young lady I out. They were offering early ended up marrying, Pearlie, and I out at the time and I took it. I’d were working together in Orange- served 5 years, 10 months and burg. We stayed there a while, but two days. the drug addiction got the best of Where did you go when you me again, crack cocaine. I ended left the army? up leaving her because of my ad- diction. So it was back to NY I came back to Bowman, SC. where I went to my Grandmothers That’s where my wife was. We and told her I needed a place to got back together and I ended up stay. She said, OK, you’ve got working at Bowman High two weeks. I called a cousin of School as a teacher’s aid and mine over in Brooklyn. He enlist- basketball coach. One day, the ed in Brooklyn, that’s where his mayor’s wife, who was a teacher recruiter was. I went straight to there, approached me about that recruiter and I joined the army working for the town. She right then and there. I told the re- wanted me to go talk to her hus- Left to right; Matt Crooks, Rob Donehue cruiter that I wanted Ft. Jackson in band. He offered me a position and The Rev. William Christian. The Columbia, SC for basis training. I with the city. Mission loaned its van to the Grace Epis- wanted Ft. Jackson; because I copal Church each weekend for a year while they were under construction. Continued page 5 Shining Brightly for 108 years Page 5

Putting the past in the past (cont. from page 4) every Sunday, and I liked that. Besides, Star Gospel is neat and clean, it’s homey, I enjoy Where did this new job lead just like this: The ones I’ve hurt, talking to people here, everybody gets along you? suffer them not for what I’ve here, we get a great meal every day, we’re done, put their pain and suffering There’s a lot of drug traffic in allowed to stay in on the weekends, sleep late all on me, I deserve it. As soon as Bowman. One day the mayor on Saturday’s. I was drawn here because I I said that, it was like all the pain asked me to do something for him. felt it in my heart. I wanted to be here. God just hit me at once. He said the chief of police needs is doing some things in my life, and I believe your help, he needs you to finger What was that all about? that this is where God wants me to be in or- some people. He wanted me to der to get me where He wants me to go. I don’t know. I think it was God point them out. He said, you know showing me something, I feel it Carl, how do you see God moving in your who they are. was God intervening. This is life, experiencing a transformation in How did he know that you when and where I picked up a Bi- heart, body, mind and spirit? knew? Did he know that you ble to read. My Bible’s got three Everything I was praying for is falling right were doing drugs? different color highlights in it, in place. I think I was led here; God led me that’s how many times I read it He did. I told him that I wasn’t here. I don’t fully understand it yet, but I’m from front to back. I wanted to going to do that, because my fami- very content with where He has me right make a difference in me, I was ly lives here, and I’m not going to now. It allows me to minister to folks, both ready. But then I’d go out and use help him do his job like that. here, at the VA where I work, and right in again. That’s when he told me that I had these streets. I called my brother one day to step down. After that I went So that transformation you were and I said, we’re in the wrong business. I back out using even more. I was so desirous of never really took talked with him about opening a facility sim- using on and off from 1996 until hold. When did that happen? ilar to Star Gospel in Orangeburg or Colum- 2002. In 2002 I got tired of using bia. It’s needed and I know God is leading It happened in 2011, right before I and entered a 6 month drug treat- me to minister. came back to Charleston. I got ment program in Augusta, GA. tired of what I was doing, I got Do you feel you’ve beaten the drug thing, How did that program work out tired of hurting folks, and I called that that chapter of your life is closed? for you? a friend of mine, come get me, I I feel that God has taken that away from me. need your help. I was getting high It worked fine. When I got out of He’s taken the desire, the need away com- everyday, I had a pocket full of that I came back home to my wife. pletely. God’s been blessing me and I’ve money, I’d just gotten my reserve She took me in and two or three just seen doors open. pay for the summer, gave my wife years later, I started up again. Eve- a thousand dollars and I left. My How is the relationship with your wife, ry two or three years I would start friend came and got me and your step daughter and your son going? up again. I’d go right back to brought me to Charleston and I treatment, always in Augusta. I It’s going great right now. They’re pleased went straight to the VA and admit- went there three times between with where I am. I help them as much as I ted myself to treatment. On Aug. 2002 and 2009 and was fine up can. They understand my situation here. 2, 2011, I went into the rehab. pro- until the summer of 2011 when I gram at the VA. I had made up Is there anything you want us to know started up again. I was tired of my mind that whatever it was go- about that you might have left out? where I was going, I wanted a ing to take I was going to do to change in my life because drugs Yes, Star Gospel has had a major impact on stop using drugs. I read my Bible and alcohol had led me to jail. my life. Not just the doors open to men in daily and tried to assure anybody need, but to veterans; we feel at home togeth- To jail? For what? on drugs that if God could do it er here. I’m at peace right now. I enjoy your In 2002 for a thing called theft by for me He’ll do it for you. I’ve sermons and I get a lot out of them. It helps deception. I was in for two and a had no other relapses since. my spiritual growth a lot by being here. It half months and I ended up getting So what drew you to the Star gives me comfort to know that if I need to out on probation. I broke my pro- Gospel Mission? talk to someone, anytime, I can talk with bation and left the state of GA. and you. You and Star Gospel allow me to be Ten years ago I was a resident was put in jail again. I went to jail me. You’ve allowed me to step out in faith, here. I wanted to change and I three times. The first time I was in to trust in God, and to put my past in the knew that you had church here jail I asked God to... let me state it past. Page 6 The Star Gospel Mission

James T. H. Buxton A word from Jim Buxton, Biography Chairman of the Board This year, we have embarked upon a highly ambitious undertaking. We are currently in the process of renovating a Charleston single house we purchased last year, which is located directly behind the Mission at 89 Nassau Street. We anticipate the completion of that project in the spring of 2013. Our Matt Crooks (Mission sexton), Danny intention is to provide additional Daniels (night watchman), and Pastor boarding through “next phase” Christian, side view of 89 Nassau Street transitional housing in the form of property. four studio apartments for low- income, formerly homeless men with an emphasis on veterans. There’s nothing we can do to make God To complete this project, we are James T. H. Buxton has been elected as asking for your help and invite Chairman of the Board at the Star Gos- love us any more your participation in this transfor- pel Mission, located at 474 Meeting than He already mational project for the Mission. Street. Star Gospel is Charleston’s old- Below is a list of several construc- est not-for-profit Christian welfare or- does and nothing we tion items necessary to complete ganization, having been founded by can do to make Him the renovation of 89 Nassau. The Rev. Obadiah Dugan in 1904. The Please discern and consider making Mission is a transitional housing com- love us any less! a generous gift to the Mission in munity for formerly homeless men, support of the creation of these including veterans, who are seeking to much needed apartments by spon- assimilate back into society as produc- soring some of the items on our tive citizens. “punch list.” At the dedication of “‘I can forgive, but this house, all gifts designated to- ward the renovation of this project Mr. Buxton is the principal attorney in I cannot forget’ is will be listed on a bronze plaque Buxton Legal Group, LLC, a boutique and affixed to the exterior of the law firm that practices in the areas of only another way house. corporate transactions, private equity, of saying, ‘I will taxation and estate planning. He is a not forgive.’” Charleston native who graduated from Your participation at any level will Porter-Gaud School, Princeton Univer- help expand the Star Gospel Mis- sity and the University of South Caroli- sion’s positive impact on our com- na School of Law. Mr. Buxton is also a § munity by providing additional member of the State Bars of Georgia, transitional housing in the City of South Carolina and Virginia. He is a Charleston and you will be assist- member of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian ing the mission’s ministry to help Church and resides in Mt. Pleasant with Henry Ward transform the hearts and minds of his wife and two children. these men through the love of Jesus Beecher Christ. Yours sincerely, Jim Buxton. Shining Brightly for 108 years Page 7

Cont. from Page 6 Interior hardware: $552.00* We must Light fixtures: $662.00* learn to On-demand Hot water heaters: replace these $1,196.00* two words: Exterior trim and millwork: $1,289.00 “If only”, Interior doors: $2,145.00* with two new Entry door: $2,146.00 words: “Next Plumbing fixtures: $2,159.00* time”. Interior Trim and millwork: $2,200.00* Hardwood flooring: $3,004.00* Palmetto Craftsmen Construction workers beginning renovations on the 89 Nassau Wood staircase and railings: Street property. $3,202.00* Heating and Air Conditioning: The bumps in Thanks to those who provide regular support $3,743.00* the road of  First Scots Presbyterian Church Kitchenettes: $3,998.00*  Second Presbyterian Church life are not  The French Huguenot Church Fire alarm/sprinkler system: $4,235.00* bumps they  Grace Episcopal Church Windows: $4,815.00*  St. Michael’s Episcopal Church ARE the  St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Wood framing: $4,870.00* road.  Holy Communion Episcopal Church Plumbing: $4,914.00*  Congregation Beth Elohim  Bethel United Methodist Church * indicates price per each studio apart-  John Wesley United Methodist Church ment  Trinity United Methodist Church  St. Johannes Lutheran Church  Catholic Charities of Charleston  Good Cheer Fund of the Post and Courier  Washington Light Infantry  New England Society  The St. Andrew’s Society  The German Friendly Society  Strickland Marine Agency  Hughes Lumber Company  Piggly Wiggly Carolina  The Guy E. Beatty Foundation  The Verhagen Foundation  The Benson Family Foundation  The Coastal Carolina Foundation  The Exchange Club of Charleston  The Saul Alexander Fund  Ashley Hall Girls School  High Cotton Restaurant  Haynsworth, Sinkler and Boyd Rev. Christian, Linda Williams, Rev. David  St Andrew’s Church Williams, Abby the dog. St. Stephen Christmas  St Matthew’s Lutheran Church gifts for residents (new blue jeans, individually  Woodmen of the World sized). Non-profit Organization Star Gospel Mission US Postage Paid 474 Meeting Street Permit # 1057 Charleston, SC 29403 Return service requested

Over a Century of Christian Service to Charleston

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www.stargospelmission.com

Did you know? A brief History of the Star Gospel Mission

The Star Gospel Mission was old theater because they had of the Mission continued established in 1904 in the old no other place to stay. After until his death in 2006. In Star Vaudeville Theater. The continuing his mission work 1989, Doug was instrumen- theater was closed by the city among the homeless at the tal in assuring the Mis- fathers in 1902 because of the Star Theater for 16 years, sion’s survival and recon- undesirable element associat- Dugan acquired the aban- struction in the aftermath ed with it. Following a dra- doned Holy Rosary Roman of Hurricane Hugo. Upon matic conversion experience, Catholic Church at 474 Meet- Doug’s death, The Rev. The old Star Vaudeville Theater Obadiah Dugan, a successful ing Street, which is where the William Christian became converted into the SGM, circa 1904 furniture dealer, determined to Mission has been located the Executive Director. devote the rest of his life to ever since. Under his leadership, the serving people who needed Mission is beginning a new Following Obadiah’s death in JUST DO THE RIGHT spiritual, psychological and chapter by expanding their 1936, his son, The Rev. Ern- THING, WHICH physical help. He founded the influence in the community est Dugan, a Methodist min- Mission after petitioning the with the acquisition and MEANS, DON’T DO ister, continued operating the mayor to let him use the thea- development of additional THE WRONG THING! Mission. When Ernest re- ter as a shelter for homeless transitional housing. tired in 1973, a third genera- persons. On April 24, 1904, tion Dugan, Ernest, Jr., also a more than 500 people came to Methodist minister, became Current Mission Needs the Mission for its first wor- its director. Ernest Jr. retired ship service. When you forgive Men’s clothing, pillows, twin size in 1986, bringing the Dugan sheets, pillow cases, towels, wash- Dugan’s heart went out to the family’s 86 years of leader- you set a prisoner cloths, paper towels, toilet paper, poor, the homeless, and disen- ship to a close. Under the free and that napkins, meats and canned vegeta- franchised men and boys of direction of a Board of Direc- prisoner is you bles, cleaning supplies, toiletries, the City of Charleston. He tor’s and the leadership of J. light bulbs, books and DVDs. invited them to sleep in the Douglas Donehue, the work