Sunday boat church that feels like a drive-in movie
Every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, an ensemble of docked boats, sun-roofed cars, golf carts and lawn chairs gather to worship under the trees of a secluded lakeshore. Put up a big screen and it could almost be the religious equivalent of a drive-in movie.
“It’s a wonderful way to start my morning,” said John Mathis, an agent with Turbeville Insurance, who has gone through three boats since first attending the church in 1998. “It’s so connected to nature and the lake. You can see eagles land on trees during the service.”
With boats come coolers of food and drink, and this morning is no exception. After generously passing around brownies and pigs in a blanket – the cornerstone to any nutritious church breakfast – the service begins with the usual prayers and hymns of praise, followed by an offering collected by passing a cut-off gallon milk carton from boat to boat.
The Reverend Dr. Reginald Thackston does his duty from atop a small white platform, with a fan whirring to his left and keyboardist Ginny Griffin to his right.
For his July 2nd sermon, Thackston chose a subject to which the lake crowd can certainly relate, golf:
“Happiness is not when you’re in the fairway. It’s when you’re in the rough and you make a great recovery,” Thackston explains, his broadcast amplified through strategically placed microphones along the shoreline. “Some of you practice driving but you don’t practice getting out of the sand traps. No matter what rough place you find yourself in, make it out and you become stronger.”
Originally begun in the 1960s as an outreach program of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Sumter, several church members with waterfront properties decided to hold summer services in their yards for the weekend lake-goers who were unable to attend their home church.
Now in its 36th year, attendance has doubled in the last decade, drawing in worshipers as far as Summerton, Kingstree, Sumter and Florence.
“The people that come to the lake for the weekend wouldn’t go to a church, but they’ll come here,” said Allen Prescott, the ministry’s secretary. “A big attraction is the kids because they bring the parents out and say, ‘If we listen to the preacher, we get a sucker.’”
Last Sunday, the church managed to attract 51 boats and 283 people despite the drizzly weather; for the July 4 holiday, the numbers climb significantly higher.
“It’s a remarkable event,” Thackston said afterwards.
A retired minister with 40 years of preaching under his belt, Thackston became involved when he realized he missed the call of the pulpit.
“No programs, no meetings to attend, just a good group of people,” he added. “It gives them a chance to affirm their faith and worship in a peaceful setting. There’s no restrictions or expectations, just come and make contact with God.”
Services are held lakeside every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. from May 28 to September 3 on Wyboo Slough at Boyle’s Point across from Camp Bob Cooper. By car, take Hwy. 260 south towards the dam and turn right on Patriot Drive (formerly Old River Road); turn at the second paved road on the left and turn left again when the road makes a 90-degree turn onto Lemon Ave. Casual dress is welcome. Anyone wanting more information should call 775-1602.
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