Established in 1975 as a mission church and led by The Rev. Judson Mayfield, St. Mary Magdalene shared worship space with St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church. Rather than a church, the members of St. Mary Magdalene decided to build a day care center to serve the larger community. Mayfield also established The Congregation of the Holy Trinity which included Good Shepherd in Swainsboro, Grace Episcopal Church in Sandersville, and St. Mary Magdalene. These three churches maintained their individual identities while two priests rotated among the churches. The congregations met together every fifth Sunday, alternating at each church, a pattern that continued successfully for a number of years.

At the Bishop's Visitation last Sunday, from left: the Rev. Terri Degenhardt, confirmand Dot Wilmoth, the Rt. Rev. Scott Anson Benhase, and Hulet Kitterman

St. Mary Magdalene later bought what was once a flower shop in town and worked with an architect to convert it into the present church building. Much of its furnishings have been donated by sister churches including the pews which are from Grace Church.

For the last 20 or more years, St. Mary Magdalene has been served by a number of different supply clergy--most notably from the Convent of St. Helena. During that time, it relied heavily on its lay leadership. However, in keeping with Mayfield's heart for outreach, the church has maintained its focus on serving the community. 

In addition to starting a day care center, the church sponsored two Vietnamese refugee families, teaching them English and job skills until they could be assimilated into a larger community; it initiated an integrated AA group as there was no group for African Americans to participate in. Understanding the importance of the fine arts, the church purchased the adjoining property and created a studio and workshop space for the local Arts Guild. At various times the church has worked with the local technical college and with the local hospital providing financial assistance for those who cannot afford the cost of GEDs, mammograms, diabetic supplies, and other basic needs.

Today St. Mary Magdalene sponsors a needs-based scholarship for a student each year from the local high school who is entering a technical college. Additionally, the church is a significant supporter of the local food pantry; each year the church designates $12,000--upward of 35% of its income--towards community outreach. 

During this Advent season, members worked on deepening their spiritual life through developing a Rule of Life and making Anglican Rosaries. The extra rosaries made were given to a women's prison ministry in Augusta. 

Living fully into their faith, this small but determined congregation understands the importance of building bridges, community and social justice.

If you look closely, you can see Honey Creek's logo from our "Take Me Back to the Creek" shirt that was stitched onto a stole made for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and presented to him at the Episcopal Church and Camp Centers conference in Indianapolis, Indiana this year.