The gift came at a providential time for a small but fervent group of Catholics in the Bonneau area who longed to worship in their own church. Until then, they were visited by priests from Charleston who traveled by train to celebrate Masses in their homes — a reality of the challenges of early Catholic life in rural South Carolina.

The Barrys’ modest building was soon transformed into a mission chapel, and on Oct. 14, 1923, Bishop William T. Russell formally dedicated it in honor of Our Lady of Peace. This humble sanctuary became the first Catholic church in Berkeley County, canonically attached to St. John the Beloved Church in Summerville but served by priests from various parishes, including St. Joseph in Charleston.

Though growth was gradual, the little chapel proved essential to the spiritual life of the region. The original structure was later enlarged, and remarkably, it continues to serve the community today — a living monument to the vision of those founding families and the dedicated work of generations of parishioners who have kept their faith vibrant and strong.

As Catholic families continued to multiply throughout Berkeley County, the need for additional worship spaces became apparent. By the early 1960s, plans for expanding Our Lady of Peace were under consideration. However, these plans were set aside when the Diocese of Charleston announced the establishment of a larger church in Moncks Corner. St. Philip Benizi was founded to serve this growing community, and Our Lady of Peace transitioned to a mission of the new church.

The expansion of Catholic life in Berkeley County continued. On May 22, 1976, Bishop Ernest L. Unterkoefler authorized the establishment of the “Catholic Community of Goose Creek,” which grew into the parish now known as Immaculate Conception. The growth has continued into the modern era with the founding of St. Clare of Assisi Church on Daniel Island and the mission of St. Francis Caracciolo in Cane Bay.

Today, as Our Lady of Peace Mission prepares to celebrate its rich heritage, the parish community honors not only the original families who worked tirelessly to establish their church, but also the ongoing legacy of faith that has sustained Catholic life in Berkeley County for over a century. St. Philip Benizi and Our Lady of Peace now minister to second and third generations of families, a beautiful testament to the enduring nature of faith passed down through the years.

From a single act of generosity in 1922 to a network of thriving Catholic communities spanning Berkeley County, this remarkable story reminds us that the future remains in God’s hands. With faithful hearts and continued dedication, the Catholic Church will undoubtedly continue to grow and flourish in Berkeley County, bringing glory to God and spiritual nourishment to generations yet to come.