#CharlestonStrong

Founded in 1816, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Mother Emanuel) is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the Southern United States. Upon being outlawed in 1834, Mother Emanuel's congregation continued to meet in secret until the Civil War had ended. Major repairs were needed after Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989. Most recently, the whole city of Charleston faced a tragedy in 2015, with the shooting at Mother Emanuel. Through all of these circumstances, the congregation has remained united, and as of today the Gothic Revival style church is a sanctuary for more than 1,600 members.

Following the devastating tragedy of 2015 that shook the entire Charleston community, members of Mother Emanuel are still experiencing grief. With all of the amazing things their congregation has done for the local arts community as well as many charities throughout the Charleston area, we are happy and proud to be giving back to them in this trying time.

Charleston residents gathered together at sunset to honor the nine victims.

With the overwhelming outpouring of gifts Mother Emanuel has received, Interior Designers and members of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) have joined together to sort through artwork, paintings, and quilts to select appropriate pieces that will be used and hung in the Counseling Center. Jane Jilich, Jennifer Mendelsohn, Jackie Hammond, Trudie Mercer Brown, Sandy Coleman, Catherine August, and Nicole Norris are just a few of the volunteers that have dedicated time and effort to making this center a special place.