Our History

Epworth Children’s Home was established in 1895 by the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Methodist Church and chartered by the Act of the South Carolina General Assembly as Epworth Orphanage. Situated in the heart of the state, Epworth is located on 30+ acres at 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC.

Epworth and its services exist as the expression of the desire of the Methodist people of South Carolina, and provide to the extent of their resources and capabilities, child care, counseling, and related services to families and children, without regard to race, religion, national origin or ability to pay.

From the first two children who were admitted on January 20, 1896, the Orphanage grew rapidly to house 100 children by the year 1900. During the 30’s, 40’s and early 50’s, Epworth was at an all time high of more than 350 children. By the end of World War II, the administration recognized that most of the children were not orphans, but came from families which were broken and in conflict. The name “Epworth Children’s Home” was adopted in 1951.

Under the direction of a 21 member Board of Trustees, Epworth Children’s Home is a private, non-profit child and family service organization serving South Carolina. It is supported by voluntary church and private contributions, wills, bequests, and trust funds.

Epworth management practices reveal that all donations go 100% to minister to children, youth, and families. Epworth is a non-apportioned agency of the United Methodist Church.