First ‘Fall Salkehatchie’ brings together 11 in Johnsonville
By Jessica Brodie
Eleven high schoolers and adults teamed up Oct. 6-11 for the first Fall Salkehatchie, successfully roofing a home in Johnsonville for a local family.
Since its founding in 1978, Salkehatchie has always been a summer mission effort. But because many schools are shifting to a year-round schedule, and the intense South Carolina heat makes working outdoors in June and July difficult, the missions leaders have been wanting to organize an off-season Salkehatchie.
In the spring, they launched their first Spring Salkehatchie, held in April in Bennettsville with another one planned for 2025. With this season’s Fall Salkehatchie, they were able to accommodate teens and adults who are not able to volunteer with Salkehatchie during the summer.
Some of those who volunteered have already been helping with Salkehatchie in the summer and now are excited to have the chance to do another in more comfortable weather.
Donna Emerson, a young adult member of Hebron United Methodist Church, Bishopville, has been volunteering for three years with Salkehatchie and said she grew up hearing stories of the service program from her grandfather, who is a pastor.
“It brings joy to people, and I really wanted to come,” Emerson said.
Young adult G.G. Smith, of Vox Memorial and Brown’s Chapel UMCs in Johnsonville, said Fall Salkehatchie was the fourth Salkehatchie week she has participated in, and she hopes to infect others with a similar passion for the mission experience.
“There’s a big need,” she said. “Every year, I try to get more people to come. I think if they went, they’d get addicted to it.”
Youth Ben Ellis, from Grace UMC, North Augusta, was in Johnsonville volunteering with his sister. Their own home was still without power because of Hurricane Helene, yet they decided to head to Fall Salkehatchie in spite of needs back in their community.
“It’s really the best experience I’ve ever done,” he said. “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to help.”
The Rev. Jerry McManus, pastor of Hebron in Bishopville, said Salkehatchie brings an opportunity to help people, which is what God calls us all to do.
“This is the church being the church, and there are no politics in this,” McManus said.
He thinks Fall Salkehatchie is a good idea and a proactive way to expand the program.
“Salkehatchie has got to adapt to the climate, and that’s what Fall and Spring Salkehatchie are trying to do—adapt to year-round school,” he said.
And for Mike Timmons, a longtime Salkehatchie volunteer, the milder weather makes the job much easier.
“I just turned 79, and the heat is hard,” he said, appreciating a cool breeze as the team prepared to break for lunch.
Ward Smith, chair of Salkehatchie’s Board of Directors, said Fall Salkehatchie “came together well.”
“It’s needed,” Smith said. “And the more I think about it, the more I realize how much it’s needed.”
Smith said a number of schools have fall break that week in October, which is why they selected those dates.
Salkehatchie leaders are also planning a Spring Salkehatchie, and plans are under way now. Dates will be announced soon.
To learn more about Salkehatchie, go to https://salkehatchie.org.