St. Jude Church was founded by Sister Sarah Parrott and Sister Libby Davis after the Lord laid it upon Elder Parrott’s heart to venture out and begin a work for the Lord.  

The two sisters were riding along one Saturday and decided to drive down Darlington Street in Florence, South Carolina.  As they drove they were led by the Spirit to turn down McQueen Street.  They could not believe that right before their eyes was an old, green, tin building for rent. The address was 229 N. McQueen Street. This building was known as the old McInnes Paint Store and Warehouse.  They were so excited and went to tell Elder Parrott and Brother Otis Davis.  Elder Parrot and Brother Davis went to view the prospect and they all could see the potential immediately.   Elder Parrott secured the keys the first thing Monday morning and took a look inside. You could see the ground through the floor and the sun through the roof, but we knew that God was able.  Many thought that it could not be done. An old deacon said “I don’t know how Elder Parrott is going to take that old warehouse and make a church”, but within one and a half months, by faith and the grace of God, we were able to turn what some people considered rubbish into a place of worship.  

Elder Parrott along with about 15 people opened the doors of St. Jude Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Tommy Anderson.  The church was affiliated with the Southern United Churches of Jesus Christ for 14 years.  The Lord led Bishop Parrott and his congregation to venture out on their own for the space of four years.  During this time many members came and went, but there were stalwart saints that stayed the course and endured many hardships, trials and tribulations. By this time St. Jude had purchased 10.9 acres of land to build a new church, but God had a different plan.  

In March 2008 God led Deacon Otis Davis to an old private school, formerly known as Darlington Academy.  It was located at 1109 Jerome Street in Darlington SC.  The members got together after service one Sunday and went to see the property. They were all excited about what they saw.  An old, leaky building with a full court gymnasium, classrooms, offices, cafeteria, kitchen, rest rooms with lockers and showers, lots of land and potential.  After praying and trusting God the owner allowed us to take possession of the property free of charge in July 2008.

Sister Parrott was praying and wanted to have a program and invite some of the old patriarch saints. God led her to call Bishop R.F Davis, Executive Chairman of The Greater Highway Church of Christ to come and render a service. After many calls and her consistency Bishop Davis accepted the invitation and rendered a wonderful service. After that service things started moving upward.  When Sister Parrott called Bishop Davis to thank him for the service rendered he explained how he was trying to bring us all together. After a meeting between Bishop Davis and Bishop Parrott the agreement was made and St. Jude Church became a part of The Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc.

On Saturday, April 11, 2009 we had our intake service and officially became the St. Jude Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc. Bishop Davis continued to encouraged us to “Come thou with us and we will do the good.”  So we did!