A Week to Remember | Celebrating 150 Years of Hope at Thornwell
This October, Thornwell celebrated a historic milestone: 150 years of hope, faith, and service to children and families. From Founders Day to our 150th Anniversary Documentary Premier, to a special celebration concert and our annual Fall Festival, the week was filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude for God’s faithfulness throughout our ministry since 1875.
We are especially grateful to The RLA Group | Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, our 150th Anniversary Week sponsor, whose generosity helped make each celebration possible, along with Self Regional Healthcare, Presbyterian College, and others who made our October 3rd celebrations memorable. Through their partnership, we were able to honor Thornwell’s rich history while looking ahead to a future rooted in hope, love, and service. We are also very honored by our 150th anniversary planning committee, which supported all efforts to make this celebration spectacular. THANK YOU!
Honoring Our Roots | Founders Day
The week began on Wednesday, October 1, with a special Founders Day gathering at the Home of Peace and Founders Circle, held on the everyday Thornwell first opened its doors 150 years ago. Staff, alumni, community members, and friends joined together for cupcakes, lawn games, and fellowship as we celebrated the ministry’s beginnings and the enduring legacy of its founder, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs.
Faith and Fellowship | Anderson-Stall Worship Center
Later in the week, Thornwell staff gathered on Thornwell’s campus for the annual all-staff celebration and the first worship service in the newly opened Anderson-Stall Worship Center. This moment of reflection and thanksgiving marked a meaningful milestone in our ministry’s history.
A highlight of the service was Presbyterian College’s Rev. Dr. Buz Wilcoxon’s sermon about answering God’s call, paralleling the stories of Noah and Dr. Jacobs as those who stepped out in faith when the task seemed insurmountable. As a college student at PC, Rev. Dr. Wilcoxon served as a “big brother” to children living at Thornwell and attended church with them in this very sanctuary. He made the congregation smile by referencing the stained-glass windows and, particularly, the depiction of Noah, who he noted looks very similar to Dr. Jacobs and even sports Presbyterian “blue.”
Telling the Story | Documentary Premiere & Concert
On Friday, October 3, through the generous “champion” sponsorship of Self Regional Healthcare, Thornwell premiered its 150th Anniversary documentary at Presbyterian College and, later that same evening, hundreds gathered at Belk Auditorium for a night of worship with contemporary Christian duo Caleb + Kelsey.
The documentary film shared our journey from 1875 to today, highlighting the ministry’s work in family support, education, residential care, and foster care across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. We’re grateful to two anonymous donors who supported the creation of this special film!
Following the premiere, guests gathered on Vance Plaza for a reception where alumni, staff, trustees, and community partners connected, shared stories, and celebrated the impact of Thornwell’s ministry.
After the reception, Caleb + Kelsey’s music filled Belk Auditorium with praise. During the event, they joined Thornwell President Rev. Myron Wilkins and First Lady Anna Wilkins in a panel discussion highlighting the heart of Thornwell’s mission and its lasting impact on children and families.
“For a century and a half, Thornwell has walked alongside children and families with hope, love, and unwavering support,” said Rev. Wilkins. “This milestone gave us the opportunity to honor our past, celebrate the present, and look with faith toward the future.”
Community and Celebration | LushAcres Farm at Thornwell’s Fall Festival
The week concluded on Saturday, October 4, with LushAcres Farm at Thornwell’s Fall Festival and Corn Maze, one of South Carolina’s favorite seasonal events since 2021. Families from near and far came together to enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, barnyard animals, delicious concessions, and fall fun for all ages.
LushAcres Farm festivals reflect Thornwell’s mission in action, connecting our community, farm, and programs for children and families in a space filled with laughter and love.
“Every smile and shared moment reminded us why Thornwell exists,” said Rev. Wilkins. “It’s about building strong families and strong communities, one act of love at a time.”
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our 150th Anniversary Celebration would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and community partners. Your support helped us honor our history, celebrate the present, and look toward the future with hope.
150th Anniversary Week Sponsor (October 1-4)
Champion Title Sponsor (October 3rd Events)
Changemaker Co-Sponsors (October 3rd Events)
Catalyst Sponsor (October 3rd Events)
- Thornwell Board of Trustees Member
Caregiver Sponsor (October 3rd Events)
Connector Sponsor (October 3rd Events)
Community Sponsors (October 3rd Events)
We’re grateful for the tremendous support of our sponsors. Here’s to the next 150 years of ministry, growth, and transformation at Thornwell!