On Devine Street in Columbia, South Carolina, Shandon United Methodist Church has anchored the eastern edge of downtown since 1909. What began as a small congregation has grown into one of the largest United Methodist churches in the state, shaped by what the church describes as faith, hope, and love. Today Shandon continues to build on that foundation with three Sunday services, an expansive music program, a full week of small groups, an onsite preschool, a 24-hour pastoral care line, and an outreach mission that reaches dozens of nonprofit agencies across the Midlands.
A Columbia Congregation Since 1909
Shandon United Methodist Church gathers to worship God, nurture Christian faith, and go out into the world in mission. That sentence is the congregation's stated mission, and it sets the rhythm for everything that happens on the four-building campus along Devine Street.
The congregation dates to 1909, when a small group formed on the eastern boundary of Columbia's downtown business district. More than a century later, Shandon is among the largest United Methodist churches in South Carolina, and the spirit, commitment, and faith that brought the church this far continue today.
Three Sunday Services Under One Roof
Worship is the heart of the Shandon week, and the church offers three Sunday services that share a campus but speak different languages of praise.
- Traditional Worship at 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The earliest Sunday gathering features Scripture-based preaching, congregational hymnody, and choral and instrumental music led by the Chancel Choir and, on rotation, the Celebration Choir, Youth Music Group, Children's Choirs, Wesley Ringers, and orchestra.
- Traditional Worship at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary and online. A second traditional service carries the same liturgical feel as the 8:45 gathering and is livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
- LifeLine Contemporary at 11:05 a.m. in the Gym and online. Marking 25 years of contemporary worship, LifeLine offers modern Christian praise songs led by the LifeLine Band. Coffee, pastries, and casual dress set the tone before the service begins.
Holy Communion, also called the Lord's Supper, is celebrated the first Sunday of each month in all three services and is available in the home upon request. Everyone is invited to the Lord's Table to affirm Christ's life, death, and resurrection and to reenact them in daily life.
Children are encouraged to attend worship with their families. Worship spaces provide children's Bibles, crayons, and activity folders, and an age-specific nursery is available for infants through kindergarten. During most services, children come forward for an age-appropriate message and then rejoin their families, or, if younger, head to childcare. On Sundays without a Children's Sermon, such as Communion Sundays and special services, families may take children directly to childcare.
Music and Arts at the Center of Worship
Music and the arts are described as significant, powerful, engaging, and inspiring in the life of Shandon. Choirs and ensembles are open to anyone who would like to share their talents and time, and no auditions are required - just a commitment to serve.
- Chancel Choir. Leads worship weekly and sings a rich variety of music from classical and traditional works to hymns and spirituals. They join with the orchestra several times each year for special performances and have shared their music beyond Shandon at events such as the Biltmore Estate in Asheville and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. during the school year.
- Celebration Choir. Open to teens and adults, the Celebration Choir leads music once a month in the 8:45 a.m. service and rehearses twice a month on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
- Wesley Ringers. Shandon's adult handbell ensemble rings for various worship services throughout the school year and participates in the SC Fellowship Bell Festival. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Youth Choir. Open to 6th through 12th graders, the Youth Choir sings and plays instruments for worship services and special events. Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. during the school year.
- Children's Choirs. The Cherub Choir (K5 and 1st grade) and the St. Nicholas Choir (grades 2 through 5) rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. during the school year and share music in services and at special events.
The Arts at Shandon also sponsors commissioned artwork and worship pieces throughout the campus - stained glass, painted and fabric art, wind sculptures, and rotating exhibits in the Patricia Beckler Art Gallery on the first floor of the Bruner Building. Live painting during special worship services is also part of the program.
The Sanctuary Organ and Carillon
The Sanctuary Organ was designed by the Moller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1949 and installed in early 1950 when the Sanctuary was completed. Additions in 1976 and 1994 expanded the instrument, with the 1994 refurbishment completed by the King of Instruments Organ Company. Tonal work was done by Daniel Angerstein of Hendersonville, North Carolina, with installation supervised by Marc Conley of Atlanta, and Dr. William Bates, organ professor at the University of South Carolina, serving as organ consultant. In 2020, an antiphonal division of 427 pipes across seven ranks was installed in the balcony, playable from the console in the choir loft. The instrument now contains 3,977 pipes across 69 ranks over three manuals and pedal. The 2020 additions were made possible by a gift in memory of John D. Beckler from his wife, Patricia Beckler, and family.
In the church steeple, a 24-bell carillon was installed by the Christoph Paccard Bell Foundry of Charleston, South Carolina. The bells were cast in Annecy, France, in 2001 by the Paccard Fonderie de Cloches, a French foundry begun in 1796. The carillon rings on the hour and can also be played from a keyboard in the Sanctuary.
A Campus of Four Connected Buildings
The Shandon campus sits on Devine Street and includes four buildings connected by interior and exterior covered walkways and courtyards. Wheelchair access is available at each service, with access to the Sanctuary through the Sanctuary east entrance near the parking lot. All entrances to the Dunn-Smith Center are wheelchair accessible, and all campus buildings are reachable through the covered center walkways.
- Betty Bruner Building. Houses the church offices, Wesley Hall, the Chapel, the Conference Room, the Parlor, the Music Suite, the Patsy McIntosh Library, and adult Sunday school classes.
- DuBose Building. Home to Fours and Fives classes, weekday preschool classes, elementary classes for 1st through 6th grade, and Children's Choirs.
- Dunn-Smith Center. Contains Player Hall, the LifeLine worship space, the Gymnasium, and the Youth Zone for 7th through 12th graders.
- Knox Building. Houses Infant-Threes classes, adult Sunday school classes, and the weekday preschool and offices.
On Sundays, reserved first-time visitor parking sits in the lot closest to the church, with overflow parking across the street. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Children and Students at Shandon
Shandon's Children's Ministry serves infants through 6th grade. The ministry helps shape, guide, and empower children through life's journeys with engaging studies and activities. A Newborn Ministry celebrates new arrivals with a special gift and an updated church record. Cari Treece is the Director of Children and Family Ministries.
Student Ministry focuses on faith, fellowship, and service for 7th through 12th graders. Teens come from a variety of neighborhoods and schools, with a wide range of interests and at different stages on their faith journeys. The ministry offers engaging studies, events, and service opportunities where students can grow in their faith, build real friendships, and make a difference. Andy Morris is the Director of Youth Ministries.
Shandon is a Safe Sanctuary church. All volunteers who work with children or youth must be members or actively involved at Shandon for at least six months, complete training, pass a National Background Check, Social Security Verification, and SLED criminal records check, and follow a Two Adult Rule that requires at least two Safe Sanctuary certified adults in any program with children or youth.
Adults: Sunday School, Bible Study, and Fellowship
Sunday school at Shandon meets every Sunday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and serves as base camp for becoming disciples - a place to connect with God, form relationships, and grow in Christian faith. The church offers a wide range of adult classes for different ages and life stages:
- Path Finders - couples and singles, mid-20s to late-30s, Knox Building 214.
- Lighthouse - couples and singles, 20s to 40s, Bruner Building 221.
- Journey - young couples in their 30s, Knox Building 205.
- Foundations - couples in their 30s and 40s, Knox Building 209.
- Committed Disciples - couples and singles, late 30s to 40s, Knox Building 201.
- Faith and Fellowship - couples in their 40s and 50s, Knox Building 208.
- Genesis - singles and couples, 50s to 70s, Knox Building 204.
- Generations - couples and singles, 40s to 80s, Bruner Building 224 - a Reconciling Ministries class that welcomes and celebrates human differences such as sexual orientation, socioeconomic condition, and spiritual journey.
- Friendship - adults of all ages, Bruner Building 216.
- George Huggins Upper Room - couples and singles, 70s and older, Bruner Education Building, Wesley Hall.
- J.O.Y. - age 70 and older, Bruner Building 220 - Putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last, with more than 160 members.
Ruthie Taylor coordinates Adult Bible Studies.
Men's, Women's, and Older Adult Ministry
Men of all ages gather for monthly prayer breakfasts, Bible study, fellowship, ballgames, barbecues, an annual men's retreat, and hands-on service. Rev. Will Harvey, Associate Pastor, oversees Men's Ministry.
The Well Women's Ministry centers on women who love, embrace, nurture, abide, and connect. United Women in Faith at Shandon, with close to 150 women of all ages and four Circles plus a Youth Circle, sponsors an annual Garage Sale that has become a community shopping staple and fundraiser for local nonprofits.
Connections, the Older Adult Ministry for adults 65 and older, organizes day trips to Asheville and Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, with apple picking, shopping, dining, and touring; trivia nights and seasonal gatherings; Koger Broadway tickets, concerts, and theater outings throughout the Midlands; and monthly lunches at local restaurants. Susan Curran directs the ministry.
Pastoral Care and Stephen Ministry
A Shandon pastor is available 24 hours a day to respond to needs or emergencies in the church family and community. Pastors visit in homes, hospitals, and nursing homes and are available for counseling by appointment. Prayer and pastoral care requests can also be submitted online.
Stephen Ministry extends that care through trained lay caregivers called Stephen Ministers. They provide one-on-one, completely confidential support during times of loneliness, depression, illness, grief, and life transitions. Stephen Ministers visit weekly, listen, pray, and offer Christian friendship and love. They complete 50 hours of initial training and ongoing continuing education and supervision. Rev. Smoke Kanipe coordinates Stephen Ministry.
Missions and Outreach Across the Midlands
Service is built into Shandon's identity. The church's mission involvement ranges from helping local homeless shelters and building Habitat for Humanity houses to supporting regional and international missions. Outreach meals through the church's Kitchen Ministry serve Dreher High athletic teams and the Methodist Student Network at the University of South Carolina.
In 2025, Shandon donated $141,000 to nearly fifty non-profit agencies through its outreach budget, Lenten and Advent offerings, and proceeds from the United Women in Faith clothing and book sales and garage sale. Partners include Aldersgate House, the Salvation Army of the Midlands, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, the Free Medical Clinic, the Cooperative Ministry, the Women's Shelter, Family Promise, Senior Resources Meals on Wheels, Sistercare, Palmetto Place, Lighthouse for Life, Leeza's Place, the Ronald McDonald House Pack a Smile Program, and many others.
Sacred Milestones: Baptism, Weddings, and Funerals
Baptism at Shandon is a sacred act that connects a person to the body of Christ and the larger church family. The covenant is communal in nature, made in public, and witnessed by others who vow to support the person in their faith journey. Parents or adults interested in baptism can submit a request online.
Weddings at Shandon are kept simple, reverent, and in keeping with the liturgy, rituals, and traditions of the church. To reserve the Sanctuary or Chapel, the bride, the groom, or one of their parents or grandparents must be a current active member of Shandon for at least six months prior to scheduling the wedding date. Reservations are made through the church office, and an online wedding application opens the planning process.
Funerals at Shandon are coordinated through the church office. The pastors stand ready to walk alongside families in their time of need.
The Columbarium and Memorial Garden
Located on the church grounds, the Columbarium and Memorial Garden offer a tranquil space for meditation, prayer, and remembrance by providing a site for the interment and inurnment of cremains for church members and their immediate families. The Memorial Garden includes the Columbarium niches and walls for memorial tablets - brass plates with engraved names to honor individuals buried elsewhere. The garden sits adjacent to the Sanctuary, allowing for convenient visitation and meditation. Inurnment services are provided by Shandon pastors.
The Patsy McIntosh Library
The Patsy McIntosh Library, on the second floor of the Bruner Building, is a quiet place with WiFi for personal devotional time, study, and research. Books, religious magazines, audio books, and e-books on theology and Christian living are available, along with a children's section that includes a coloring table, cushioned window seats, puzzles, puppets, and books on low shelves. Items are self-check-out for three weeks at a time, and the catalog is searchable. Overdrive e-books are also available to church members through assigned login pins. Lesli Wood directs Christian Education and supports the library.
The Kitchen Ministry
Shandon's Kitchen Ministry, led by Tim Scott, has been thriving for 36 years. With a background in restaurants and catering, Scott prepares meals for church family events, outreach programs, and community support. The Kitchen Ministry prepares food for Sunday school classes, LifeLine worship, committee lunches, receptions, Wednesday Night Manna, church group gatherings, Dreher High athletic teams, and the Methodist Student Network at the University of South Carolina.
Joining the Shandon Family
For those ready to put down roots, TREK is Shandon's three-session new member path. TREK connects newcomers with others new to the church, walks them through the campus, opens conversations about the Christian faith and United Methodist Church, and points to opportunities to serve and be served. Rev. Will Harvey, Associate Pastor, coordinates TREK.
Members stay connected through Realm, the church's online community tool, and the Connect mobile app. Realm allows members to manage personal information, control giving, and keep in touch with groups that matter to them. Giving is available in one-time or recurring form online, by texting SUMC to 73256, or by check in the Sunday offering plate or mailed to the church office.
The Preschool and Kindergarten at Shandon, a weekday ministry on the same campus, has long been part of the church's footprint, and The Voice newsletter is published monthly with stories of life at Shandon. Worship, study, music, mission, and care together make up a congregation that has called Devine Street home for more than a century, open to anyone who walks through the doors, joins the livestream, or finds a Sunday school class that feels like home.