Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary (CMTS), 705 S. Main St., Summerville, S.C., announces the celebration of its 150th anniversary in 2026. CMTS is the only and oldest African American Episcopal Seminary, still in existence, in North America. CMTS opened in 1876 to train and ordain ministers to lead the recently freed enslaved.

Anniversary events are scheduled throughout 2026.

The first is a kickoff, with Canon Dr. J. Ronald Moock sharing the history of CMTS. Ann McGill, of Chanel 5, is the host for this event. The event will be held on Friday, January 30, 6:30pm, at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church, 401 Stoney Landing Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Admission is free.



The February event is an art exhibit of South Carolina, and Reformed Episcopal artists. Cummins’ 150th Poster, designed by Jonathan Green, will be unveiled Friday, February 6, at 705 S. Main Street, Summerville, at 6:30pm. Posters are for sale. Admission is free.

CMTS’s campus in on the site of the former Pinewood Academy. Historical buildings are located on the campus. The Pengelley Chapel, used to train students in sermon delivery, is the former St. Barnabas School. This school was opened in the early 1800s to educate persons of mixed African American, white, and Native American ancestry. The current administrative building was the main classroom site for Pinewood Preparatory Academy, and the 711 House was the site of one of the first schools to teach dyslexic students in Summerville. Remnants of the first electrical power station for Summerville is located on our campus.

CMTS’s grounds are used as parking, Food truck sites, and various exhibits during the Flower Town Festival.

Visit cumminstheoseminary.org for all other 150th events, donations, class schedules, and the Cummins’ store.