Join us August 29-30 at St. Philip's as author Craig Gralley and the Reverend Elise Johnstone explore the early history of The Episcopal Church in Transylvania and our relationship to enslavement.

On Saturday, August 29 at 3:00 pm, Elise, a descendant of the early Episcopalian families who settled in the area, will present a program in conversation with Craig, whose newly published “Echoes of Eden in Western NC: The Johnstone Settlement 1852-1864" explores the history of those families who came here from the South Carolina Lowcountry before the Civil War.

Elise has just returned from a sabbatical pilgrimage to Ghana, Liberia, and Kenya, and she will share her experience of the legacy of colonialism and slavery.

Craig, a member of St. Philip's, spent the past four years traveling western North Carolina and coastal South Carolina for his new book, collecting unpublished letters, diaries, Civil War records, and more to tell the story of the Johnstone Settlement of Dunn's Rock and the more than 150 enslaved people who were part of it.

On Sunday, August 30, Elise will be the guest preacher at the 8:00 and 10:30 am services at St. Philip's, and will lead the adult faith formation class at 9:15 am in the parish hall.

At 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 30, the church will hold a Service of Acknowledgement in response to the weekend of learning, acknowledging the role that slavery and racism played in the early days of the Episcopal Church in this area, and seeking grace and guidance for the future. The service will take place in the church.

These events are open to the public with no admission charge, and all are welcome to attend. The weekend is part of St. Philip's Cornerstone Centennial celebration, marking the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the church building. Learn more about the centennial here.