January 24, 2026

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary Celebrates 150 Years

Summerville, SC, January 24, 2026

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary in Summerville marks its remarkable 150-year legacy of educational commitment and community upliftment. Founded by Reverend Peter Fayssoux Stevens, the seminary focused on training freedmen for ministry, evolving into a vital institution for diverse theological education. Its journey showcases resilience and adaptability in fostering community leadership while contributing to the local economic growth. The upcoming anniversary events promise reflection on its historical significance and ongoing mission in the Lowcountry.

Summerville’s Enduring Legacy: Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary Marks 150 Years

A remarkable milestone in local history unfolds as Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary commemorates its sesquicentennial, celebrating 150 years of steadfast commitment to education and community upliftment in Summerville. This celebration highlights not only the institution’s remarkable longevity but also its integral role in fostering leadership and contributing to the social and intellectual fabric of the Lowcountry.

The story of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary is a testament to the power of vision and entrepreneurial spirit, established in a pivotal era of American history. Its endurance through changing times reflects a profound resilience, mirroring the determination often seen in Charleston SC business and the broader spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs. The seminary’s ability to adapt and continue its mission for over a century and a half underscores the enduring value of institutions dedicated to intellectual and moral development, which in turn support the health and growth of local communities. Such sustained commitment is a cornerstone of a vibrant Charleston County economy, built on the foundations of strong institutions and dedicated individuals.

A Legacy Forged in Purpose

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary (CMTS) opened its doors in 1876, driven by a clear and vital purpose. It was founded by the Reverend Peter Fayssoux Stevens with the aim of training and educating freedmen, including former slaves and their sons, for the ministry of the Reformed Episcopal Church in the South. This initiative represented a significant act of entrepreneurial innovation, addressing a pressing societal need by establishing an institution focused on empowerment and leadership development for a community striving for self-determination. Over time, the school was formally chartered as a seminary in 1939, adopting the name Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary. This foundational commitment to cultivating leaders for a specific and underserved community laid the groundwork for an enduring institution.

Resilience and Reinvention in Summerville

The journey of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary has been marked by periods of adaptation and renewal, showcasing a resilience characteristic of successful institutions and Charleston small business. For over 50 years, the seminary maintained a focused purpose, which, while initially strong, eventually led to a decline in student enrollment, necessitating a suspension of classes between 1966 and 1979. However, a new era began in 1980 when the seminary moved to its current location at 705 S. Main Street in Summerville, embarking on a deliberate process of reinvention.

Today, CMTS stands as the only and oldest African American Episcopal Seminary still in existence in North America, a significant historical achievement. It has evolved to provide theological education in the Anglican tradition, serving not only the Reformed Episcopal Church but also becoming an ecumenical training ground for individuals of all denominations, races, and backgrounds. The seminary is state-approved through the Department of Higher Education for Veteran Training and holds accreditation from both the Theological Commission of the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Commission of Higher Education in the State of South Carolina. This adaptive capacity to meet contemporary needs while honoring its historical roots exemplifies institutional agility and strategic growth.

Educating Leaders, Strengthening Communities

The ongoing mission of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary is to provide theological and educational opportunities that enable ministers and lay persons to enhance their religious training, equipping them with the necessary foundation and skills to serve their communities and proclaim the Gospel. This educational endeavor extends beyond spiritual formation, as theological education broadly contributes to the development of ethical behavior, the formation of spiritual beliefs, and the promotion of community unity.

Seminaries like CMTS are critical in preparing individuals for effective church leadership, offering comprehensive programs that delve into theological studies, church history, and ethics. They also emphasize practical theology, integrating theoretical insights with real-world applications in areas such as pastoral care, counseling, conflict resolution, and community engagement. By fostering strong, capable leaders, CMTS indirectly contributes to the broader Lowcountry economic growth, as these individuals often serve as pillars of support and drivers of positive social change within their congregations and beyond. Faith-based organizations frequently play a vital role in providing social services in areas where governmental support may be less prevalent, further underscoring the seminary’s indirect but significant community impact.

The seminary offers residential programs including a Bachelor of Theology (BTh), a Master of Divinity (MDiv), and a Certificate in Theological Studies. For those unable to attend on campus, an External Studies Department provides an alternative pathway to theological instruction, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and broader educational outreach.

A Hub of Historical Significance and Community Engagement

The campus of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary itself is steeped in history and serves as a notable landmark in Summerville. Located on the site of the former Pinewood Academy, the campus features several historical buildings. Among them, the Pengelley Chapel, used for training students in sermon delivery, was once the St. Barnabas School, which educated individuals of mixed African American, white, and Native American ancestry in the early 1800s. The current administrative building originally served as the main classroom site for Pinewood Preparatory Academy, and the 711 House on campus housed one of Summerville’s first schools dedicated to teaching dyslexic students. Even remnants of Summerville’s first electrical power station are located on the seminary grounds, adding layers to its historical narrative.

Beyond its historical architecture, the seminary actively engages with the local community. Its grounds are utilized for various local events, including parking, food truck sites, and exhibits during the annual Flower Town Festival, demonstrating its role as a community asset and its integration into Summerville’s vibrant local life. This level of community involvement showcases how institutions can serve as more than just academic centers, becoming vital components of local cultural and social infrastructure, which ultimately benefits the Charleston County economy by enriching community life and drawing visitors.

A Year of Reflection and Forward Momentum

In 2026, Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary will host a yearlong series of public events to mark its 150th anniversary. These celebrations offer an opportunity for the community to reflect on the institution’s rich history, its pivotal contributions to education and civil rights, and its ongoing impact. The anniversary events include a kickoff on Friday, January 30, at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church in Moncks Corner, where Canon Dr. J. Ronald Moock will share the seminary’s history, hosted by Ann McGill, with free admission. A February event will feature an art exhibit showcasing South Carolina and Reformed Episcopal artists, including the unveiling of Cummins’ 150th Poster designed by Jonathan Green, on Friday, February 6, at the seminary’s Summerville campus, also with free admission and posters available for sale.

These events not only honor the past but also signify the seminary’s continued forward momentum, affirming its commitment to its mission and its vital role in the future of the Lowcountry. Such public engagements help strengthen community ties, attract attention to Summerville’s historical and educational assets, and contribute to the local cultural economy, demonstrating the diverse ways institutions foster local prosperity.

Conclusion

The 150th anniversary of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary is a profound occasion for Summerville and the broader Charleston area, celebrating a remarkable journey of educational leadership, community building, and enduring resilience. From its founding mission to educate freedmen to its current role as a diverse training ground for ministers and lay leaders, the seminary embodies the spirit of self-improvement and dedication that fuels South Carolina entrepreneurs and strengthens the Charleston small business community. As we look ahead, the seminary’s continued presence and contributions underscore the value of long-standing institutions in fostering economic growth, enriching community life, and empowering individuals. We encourage all residents to engage with and support local institutions that form the backbone of our community and contribute to the vibrant future of the Lowcountry economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary celebrating?

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026.

Where is Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary located?

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary is located at 705 S. Main St., Summerville, S.C.

When was Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary founded?

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary opened in 1876. It was founded by the Reverend Peter Fayssoux Stevens.

What was the original purpose of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary?

The original purpose of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary was to train and ordain ministers to lead the recently freed enslaved. It aimed to train and educate freemen who were former slaves and sons of former slaves for the ministry of the Reformed Episcopal Church in the South.

What is the significance of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary in North America?

Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary is the only and oldest African American Episcopal Seminary still in existence in North America.

What are some of the historical features on the Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary campus?

The Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary campus is on the site of the former Pinewood Academy and includes historical buildings such as the Pengelley Chapel (formerly St. Barnabas School) and the administrative building (formerly Pinewood Preparatory Academy’s main classroom site). The 711 House on campus was also the site of one of the first schools to teach dyslexic students in Summerville. Remnants of Summerville’s first electrical power station are located on the campus.

Key Features of Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary

Feature	Description	Scope
Location	705 S. Main St., Summerville, S.C.	Local
Anniversary	Celebrating 150th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong series of public events.	Local
Founding Year	Opened in 1876 by Reverend Peter Fayssoux Stevens.	Local
Historical Mission	To train and educate freemen, including former slaves and their sons, for the ministry of the Reformed Episcopal Church in the South.	State-level
Current Mission	Provides theological and educational opportunities for ministers and lay persons across denominations to enhance religious training.	State-level
Significance	Only and oldest African American Episcopal Seminary still in existence in North America.	Nationwide
Accreditation	State-approved through the Department of Higher Education for Veteran Training; accredited by the Theological Commission of the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Commission of Higher Education in the State of South Carolina.	State-level
Campus History	Located on the site of the former Pinewood Academy; features historical buildings including Pengelley Chapel (former St. Barnabas School) and the 711 House (one of the first schools for dyslexic students in Summerville).	Local
Community Involvement	Grounds used for local events like the Flower Town Festival.	Local