Seniors of St. Philip’s were invited on a special excursion and private tour of Millford Plantation in Sumter County on Friday, May 12. Accompanied by Jeff Miller, Bill Christian, and Brian McGreevy, about 40 of us set off from St. Philip’s in our very comfortable motor coach on a beautiful spring morning. The outing turned into an opportunity to visit two magnificent historic sites, and it fully lived up to expectations for fun and fellowship.

On the way to Millford, we stopped for a delicious lunch at the Summerton Diner, which has been a favorite of locals and travelers along I-95 since it first opened for business in 1967. The friendly staff and vintage décor contributed to an enjoyable dining experience.

After lunch, we had time to stop at the Church of the Holy Cross in Stateburg, SC, for a quick visit. The church was built in 1850 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in a highly refined Gothic Revival style, the church was designed on the model of an English country parish church by Edward C. Jones, a prominent architect from Charleston. Holy Cross remains an active parish today and still uses its original organ designed by Henry Erben, which was installed in 1851. The church was beautifully restored in 2010. 

We then made our way to Millford and enjoyed a private tour of the remarkable home and the surrounding grounds. Millford was built in 1848 and is recognized as one of the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of Greek Revival architecture in North America. The home also includes an exceptional collection of Duncan Phyfe furnishings that are original to the house, lovingly and painstakingly located and returned to Millford by the late Richard Jenrette, who purchased the home in 1993 and began restoring it to its original grandeur.

It was truly a joy to spend the day with fellow parishioners and to see both Millford and the beautiful and inspirational Church of the Holy Cross. I can’t wait to learn about the next excursion!