Florence, SC, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Ralph W. Canty received recognition from the Florence City Council for his 58 years of dedicated service to the Savannah Grove Baptist Church and the Effingham community. His leadership has been instrumental in the church’s growth and its relationship with Florence County. However, concerns about new community park plans and the need for ongoing church use of park facilities have emerged, highlighting challenges in communication with county officials. A critical vote on future projects is upcoming, affecting both the church and the broader community.
Florence, SC – Dr. Ralph W. Canty was honored by the Florence City Council on Monday for his remarkable 58 years of service to the Savannah Grove Baptist Church and the broader Effingham community. His leadership has been pivotal in transforming Savannah Grove Baptist Church into one of the largest African American congregations in the Pee Dee region.
During the ceremony, Dr. Canty highlighted his unconventional methods, which have always been inspired by spiritual guidance. Over the years, he has fostered a strong relationship between the church and Florence County, particularly concerning a 15.475-acre parcel of land adjacent to the church located on Alligator Road. This area was leased to the county for a nominal fee of $1 annually, facilitating the establishment of Savannah Grove Park, which served the community for 22 years.
Despite the positive history, recent developments involving Florence County have raised concerns for Dr. Canty. The county has unveiled plans for the construction of a new park or athletic complex in partnership with Florence 1 Schools. He expressed worries about the lack of communication and diplomatic engagement from county officials regarding these initiatives. Dr. Canty requested that existing park facilities, including bleachers, picnic areas, basketball courts, playground equipment, and restrooms, be preserved for ongoing church use. However, the county officials indicated they are not obligated to meet these requests according to the current contractual agreements.
Dr. Canty seemed taken aback by the changes in the county’s leadership, suggesting that their recent actions could jeopardize the previously cordial relationship between the church and the county. Councilman Jerry Yarborough assured the community that the county’s intentions were not to harm the church and acknowledged their long-standing partnership. He emphasized the community enhancement aspect of the proposed athletic complex, which is aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and supporting local youth sports leagues such as the Delmae Baseball League, which serves hundreds of children in Florence.
A proposal for a 30-year lease to expand the existing park was put forward but was declined by the church. Notably, substantial funding of nearly $50 million has been allocated for the new school and athletic complex projects. This investment underlines the county’s commitment to growth, especially as Savannah Grove has been identified as one of the fastest-growing communities in the area, with over 600 new homes currently under construction.
Florence County Chairman William Schofield addressed the significance of the planned athletic complex, which is envisioned to be the county’s first indoor recreational facility. He confirmed that the pre-existing park amenities would remain available for the church’s usage and reiterated that there was no intent of hostility from the county. Despite the ongoing developments, Dr. Canty communicated that the church would need to transition away from its partnership with the county.
A conclusive vote on the bonding for the new Savannah Grove Elementary School along with the athletic complex is set to be conducted this Thursday, marking a critical moment for both the church community and the county’s future growth initiatives.
FAQ
What recognition did Dr. Ralph W. Canty receive?
Dr. Ralph W. Canty received special recognition from the Florence City Council for his 58 years of service to the Savannah Grove Baptist Church and the Effingham community.
What issues have arisen between Savannah Grove Baptist Church and Florence County?
Concerns were raised by Dr. Canty regarding the lack of communication and diplomacy from the county about new park and athletic complex plans, along with a request to preserve existing park amenities for the church that the county officials have stated they are not required to accommodate.
What future projects are being developed that involve the county?
Florence County plans to build a new park or athletic complex in collaboration with Florence 1 Schools, which aims to enhance community life and support local sports leagues, with a substantial budget of nearly $50 million.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Duration | 58 years at Savannah Grove Baptist Church |
| Church Size | One of the largest African American churches in Pee Dee region |
| Land Lease Details | 15.475 acres leased to Florence County for $1 per year |
| New Developments | Proposed park/athletic complex in partnership with Florence 1 Schools |
| Funding | Nearly $50 million earmarked for development |
| Upcoming Vote | Bond vote for new Savannah Grove Elementary & athletic complex scheduled |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Pastor Ralph W. Canty Honored
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- WPDE: Church Feels Mistreated
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina
- Smith Funeral Homes: Minister Marvin Bailey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- WPDE: Preacher Celebrates 50 Years
- Google News: Community Development Florence County
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
