The Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, Bishop of South Carolina, instituted the Rev. Mary Ellen Doran as Rector of St. David’s, Cheraw and St. Paul’s, Bennettsville on November 7, 2018 at St. David’s Church in Cheraw.
Mary Ellen received her Masters of Divinity from Trinity School for Ministry in 2017. Prior to seminary, she served many years as a layperson at Saint James Church in Charleston, and most recently as Assistant Pastor at Church of Our Saviour on Johns Island.
The Rev. Arthur Jenkins, Rector of Saint James, preached the Spirit-filled service, which celebrated the joining of the two parishes. The two churches collaborated throughout the service and following during the reception. Members of both parishes, including St. Paul’s organist, St. David’s pianists, and choir and praise team members from both churches, led the music. The Presenters, Readers, Eucharist Ministers and those who prepared the reception came from both churches, as well.
The Florence deanery was also well represented. “I was honored that so many of the clergy from my deanery were able to come in support of our churches,” said Doran. “Ken Weldon, our dean, and others have helped me feel welcomed into this deanery, and I look forward to serving with them for years to come.”
Mary Ellen said she feels blessed God has called her to these churches. “I am humbled and honored to serve with these congregations. Keith and I have been so warmly welcomed, and look forward to what the Lord will do here in the future!”
View photos below. A full set of the photographs by Mallory Smith may be viewed here.
