A mission 175 years in the making is growing stronger by expanding to Kiawah Island. Founded in April 1850, Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community is about to open its newest expansion project – a brand-new community at the crossroads of Kiawah and Seabrook islands.
Driving down to James Island, you might believe you’ve stumbled upon an exceptional community complete with picturesque buildings and seemingly endless grounds. You’d be surprised to discover that this is all part of a single, sprawling retirement community – Bishop Gadsden, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary. But it isn’t finished growing by any stretch of the imagination.
A Legacy Rooted in Service
Founded on April 15, 1850, Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community has seen a number of expansions over the years, and its newest addition is about to be introduced to the world. What everyone knows today as Bishop Gadsden started as the Episcopal Church Home for Widows and Orphans at 55 Laurens Street in downtown Charleston. The community was later combined with the House of Rest in 1896 and underwent several name changes until 1981, when it earned its present-day moniker.
Named for the first Episcopal bishop of South Carolina, the Rev. Christopher Edwards Gadsden, the community grew after trustees of The Episcopal Church Home accepted a generous four-acre land donation from the vestry of St. James Episcopal Church on James Island. The gift was transformative, but it came with a logistical challenge: the Bee Street Home property had been donated under the stipulation that, if relocated, it must remain within Charleston city limits. The problem was solved when the James Island property was annexed by the city.
The Seafields Expansion
“It’s really fitting that during this 175th anniversary year we are expanding our mission by opening a brand-new community,” said Senior Communications Specialist Reganne Nowell. “Seafields by Bishop Gadsden is set to open in late October 2025, and we are so excited to continue serving our community through this new venture.”
Seafields is located at the crossroads of Kiawah and Seabrook islands in Freshfields Village. While enjoying the lifestyle of the sea islands, residents will have access to more than 50 shops, restaurants and amenities at Freshfields, as well as first-class health care through the MUSC Health Kiawah Partners Pavilion.
Bishop Gadsden offers residents a continuum of care – from independent living and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing. “One must be 62 years of age or older to enter a senior living community, and, at Bishop Gadsden, we are seeing residents choosing this lifestyle younger and younger,” Nowell said. “So it stands to reason that we have a fairly long wait list, but we work hard to pair residents with the residency of their choice. With the inclusion of Seafields, we are opening up a significant number of new opportunities for prospective residents.”
Seafields’ completion will also bring leadership transitions. Vice President of Mission and Communications Kimberly Borts will become executive director of the new Seafields community. “Our ‘boutique BG’ has been in the works for several years,” Borts said. “We started the process in 2021 and finalized it in 2024, which is fitting because 25% of Bishop Gadsden’s residents come from Kiawah and Seabrook Islands.”
A Modern Ministry of Care and Connection
Bishop Gadsden continues to expand its mission through innovation and communication. The Gadsden GAB, a monthly newsletter for the main campus, and the quarterly Gadsden Glen Gazette for health care residents, highlight staff and resident stories, upcoming events and community news.
The organization also emphasizes family involvement through its Care Navigation and Social Work Teams, along with regular care report meetings. “We’ve seen that when people move into a supportive community, their lives are richer. They live healthier, longer lives, and we are seeing that with our residents today,” Borts said.
Innovation in Living and Wellness
Bishop Gadsden was among the first in the region to invest in a hospitality-focused culinary program and recently welcomed residents to three all-new apartment buildings in December 2024. Another initiative, Embark, allows prospective residents to experience the community before moving in. “This gives our future residents the chance to get involved before they even move onto the campus,” Nowell explained. Participants can enjoy lectures, activities, croquet and dining in the café.
In addition to Seafields, Bishop Gadsden is renovating its wellness center with a new gym, swimming pool and expanded performing arts center. “The reason Bishop Gadsden has been around for 175 years is because we never stop,” Borts said. “We are always evolving. We are always growing, and we are so thankful to the greater Charleston community for helping us celebrate our demisemiseptcentennial.”
Staying Connected
Keeping up with Bishop Gadsden has never been easier. The organization launched a new app and website in October 2023. To learn more, visit bishopgadsden.org, and for updates on the Seafields project, visit seafields.com. Both communities also share updates on Facebook and Instagram.
By Colby Denton
