The
Hilton Head Sun
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 135 POSTAL CUSTOMER
August 5, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 8 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
Relocation of historic church and school approved by Town of Hilton Head, county
By Sasha Sweeney Editor
St. James Baptist Church and the historic Cherry Hill School will be relocated under a partnership between the Town of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County and the church aimed at improving airport safety while preserving two of the island’s historic landmarks. The agreement calls for relocating the church and school from their current location on Dillon Road to a new 4.67-acre campus on Union Cemetery Road in the Grassland Historic Neighborhood, adjacent to Union Cemetery. The announcement was made July 14 after the Hilton Head Island Town Council approved the final ordinances needed to move the project forward. Founded in 1886, St. James Baptist Church is one of Hilton Head Island’s oldest congregations. Cherry Hill School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will also be relocated and will retain its National Register status through the approved relocation process, according
to the town. Town officials said the church and school are located within the Hilton Head Island Airport’s Runway Protection Zone, an area the Federal Aviation Administration identifies as incompatible with places of public assembly, including churches. The relocation is intended to address those safety concerns while preserving the church and school. “This initiative demonstrates that public safety and historic preservation are not mutually exclusive,” Mayor Alan Perry said in a statement. “Through patience, partnership, and a shared commitment to doing what is right, we have developed a solution that protects future generations, preserves irreplaceable history, and honors the faith community that has contributed so much to Hilton Head Island.” Under the agreement, the town will purchase approximately 1.7 acres that include the existing church and school as part of the airport’s long-term runway mitigation program. The congregation will continue using the current facilities under a longterm lease while the new campus is built.
The town also will transfer approximately 4.67 acres on Union Cemetery Road to Beaufort County. The county will oversee construction of the new campus, including a new sanctuary, fellowship hall and relocation of the Cherry Hill School. Once construction is complete, ownership of the campus will be transferred to St. James Baptist Church. Plans call for an approximately 11,975-square-foot church with a 250-seat sanctuary, a 120-seat fellowship hall and the relocated Cherry Hill School. Stainedglass windows donated by generations of church members will be preserved and incorporated into the new sanctuary. “This has been a long journey, and we’re grateful for the collaboration from the Town, Beaufort County, airport leadership, and Senator Tom Davis in securing funding and helping move this vision forward,” said Herbert Ford, a trustee and spokesperson for St. James Baptist Church. “This new campus will honor our history while creating opportunities for future generations,” Ford said. “We are excited for what lies ahead.”
Beaufort County Council Chair Alice Howard said the project reflects years of cooperation among local governments and the church. “We are grateful to everyone who remained committed to finding a solution that respected both safety and heritage,” Howard said. “This partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished when governments and community institutions work together toward a common purpose.” Funding for the project includes a $300,000 town-county agreement, $1.29 million for the town’s acquisition of the current church property, a $4.75 million state appropriation, $3.5 million in Beaufort County general obligation bond funding, a $1.29 million construction escrow provided by St. James Baptist Church and the town’s donation of the future 4.67-acre church site. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 following Planning Commission review, zoning actions and public hearings. A groundbreaking ceremony involving the congregation and community partners is expected later this year.