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St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Unveils Crooked Cross

The newly unveiled crooked cross at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church representing inclusivity.

News Summary

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Charleston has unveiled a crooked cross, symbolizing inclusivity and community engagement. The renovation follows securing funds and aims to promote acceptance, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community. The church will host the concert ‘The Rainbow Connection: Music by LGBTQ+ Composers’, featuring diverse performances, on June 8. The event is free, encouraging active community participation, reinforcing the church’s commitment to being a welcoming place for all.

Charleston – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church has officially unveiled a new cross, still crooked from hurricane damage sustained nearly 34 years ago, symbolizing the church’s commitment to inclusivity and acceptance for all members of the community. The renovation comes after the church secured sufficient funds in 2023 to address the longstanding issue, reinforcing its mission to be a welcoming place for people of diverse backgrounds and identities.

Wayne Helmly, the director of music and organist at St. Stephen’s, highlighted the church’s welcoming atmosphere, stating that the cross reflects a broader message that individuals do not need to fit a specific mold to find acceptance within its walls. This dedication to inclusivity is further exemplified through the church’s upcoming concert, “The Rainbow Connection: Music by LGBTQ+ Composers,” part of its chamber music series returning to the Piccolo Spoleto festival on June 8.

The concert will begin at 5 p.m. on June 8 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 67 Anson Street. Admission to the event is free, encouraging community engagement and participation. The event will feature a diverse array of musical performances, including solos, duets, quartets, and full ensembles. Attendees can expect to hear works from both contemporary and historical LGBTQ+ composers spanning nearly two centuries, including renowned figures like Tchaikovsky and Lady Gaga.

Local drag performer Patti O’Furniture, known for being a two-time “Best Drag Queen” award winner, will serve as the host for the concert. O’Furniture emphasizes that St. Stephen’s serves as a sanctuary for acceptance, extending its all-embracing environment beyond just its worship services. The LGBTQ+ community is heavily represented among the performers, with Helmly estimating that about 80% of the musicians identify as part of this community, along with a majority being regular members of the church congregation.

The tradition of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church dates back to the early 19th century when it was established by three women aimed at supporting poor and unwed pregnant women. Over the years, the church has evolved into a haven for the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, earning the distinction of being the first free church in the United States. Helmly emphasizes that the church’s history is not only significant in Charleston and South Carolina but holds unique relevance within the nationwide Episcopal Church landscape.

The church’s chamber music series typically hosts performances two to three times a year, embracing a blend of musical styles and genres. The “Rainbow Connection” concert, in particular, aims to convey a message of spreading love through music while celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ musicians. Helmly assures that the atmosphere will be lively and enjoyable, countering any perceptions of classical music being overly formal or “stuffy.”

As St. Stephen’s Church moves forward with its mission to foster a sense of community and acceptance, its newly renovated crooked cross serves as a reminder of its commitment to unapologetically welcome individuals from all walks of life, encouraging them to join in the celebration of diversity through the universal language of music.