An Evening of Art for Preservation: A Benefit for St. Johns Reformed Episcopal Church

Join Historic Charleston Foundation and our evening sponsors, Paul Gaucher and Gary Bunton, for an elegant evening of creativity and community at the International African American Museum. This curated cocktail event and silent auction is dedicated to the preservation of Charleston’s rich cultural heritage, with all proceeds benefiting the restoration of a specific project at St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church—a vital historic African American landmark and a part of the Foundation’s Saving Grace Initiative.

• Enjoy cocktails and light bites while exploring the evocative museum space
• Live Music with popular jazz guitarist, David Archer
• Curated Silent Auction: Bid on unique original artworks, supporting HCF’s Saving Grace Initiative and repairs to St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church.
  
  • Artwork generously donated by a variety of artists including but not limited to: West Fraser, Nigel Parry, Rick Reinert, Arun Drummund, Christine Patterson, Demetrius Bing, Kristen Hoving, George Read, Cirino, and more! 

With your support, we are honoring and preserving Charleston’s sacred places so their legacy endures.

About Historic Charleston Foundation’s Saving Grace Initiative

The Foundation’s Saving Grace Initiative serves as a collaborative partner in preserving the buildings and stories of Charleston’s historic African American congregations. The SGI team works directly with church representatives to assess their unique preservation needs and identify pathways for long-term preservation.

From assisting with locating grants to connecting churches with professionals, SGI provides guidance, resources, and strategic planning support to help churches navigate preservation challenges. The church remains in the lead role in these efforts. Beyond physical rehabilitation, this initiative is committed to preserving the cultural heritage, social networks, and history embedded in these sacred spaces. Through partnerships with preservation organizations, governmental agencies, and community groups, SGI helps churches strengthen their foundations—both structurally and spiritually. While SGI does not provide direct funding the team will connect the churches with potential donors, aid in coordinating fundraising efforts, and ensure the church has a plan to move forward to make an informed decision about the preservation of their building.

About St. Johns Reformed Episcopal Church

This historic church was constructed in 1850 by and for free and enslaved Black Charlestonians, rebuilt in 1866, and modified in 1883. In 1971 the church was purchased by St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church, a historically African American Congregation. In fact, this is the oldest building in the Reformed Episcopal Church denomination! The church is significant for its architecture, its original architect, and for its African American cultural and social history from its unique inception to current times. Additionally, Philip Simmons, a renowned Charleston blacksmith whose work is on permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum, worshiped at this church. The Philip Simmons Garden at the property was a gift from Spoleto Festival USA to the Philip Simmons Foundation in 1991.

Located at 91 Anson Street, the church is located in the heart of historic Charleston, within the historic Ansonborough neighborhood, next door to S.C.’s top-rated public elementary school, and across the street from the Gaillard Auditorium which also houses extensive City offices. It is truly woven into the physical and cultural fabric of our evolving city.

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