The Vardry McBee Society 

The founding of Christ Church is in great part tied to the history and ministry of Vardry McBee, a wealthy philanthropist in the early period of Greenville’s history. In 1825, he donated four acres of land; “one half acre of which land is intended by Vardry McBee as a site for an Episcopalian Church” (Indenture between Edward Croft and Vardry McBee, September 2, 1825). His generosity and trust in God’s plan laid the ground work for the Christ Church building and churchyard. He died in 1864 and is buried in our cemetery. 

Like Vardry McBee; there are many faithful parishioners, past and present, who have acknowledged their gratefulness to God and their love of this parish by making permanent gifts from their accumulated assets to the Church during their lifetime or at their death.

To honor those who have made planned gifts to our parish since its creation in 1825, and to acknowledge those who choose to do so in the future, Christ Church and the Christ Church Endowment Corporation are pleased to announce the establishment of the Vardry McBee Society.

Benefits of being a member

Being a member of the Vardry McBee Society offers an obedient statement of your life as a steward of God’s kingdom and your desire to leave a legacy that honors Him. Your membership also provides a poignant example for those who will follow in your footsteps. As a member of the Vardry McBee Society your name will be permanently inscribed in the Church archives and you will be honored each year at an annual event hosted by the Vardry McBee Council.

How to become a member of the Vardry McBee Society

You become a member of the Vardry McBee Society by:
• leaving a bequest to Christ Church in your will or living trust
• designating the parish as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or retirement plan
• establishing a planned gift for the parish, such as a charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust or retained life estate contract 

Parishioners who have previously made Legacy Gifts are automatically members.  Currently, there are over 100 members of the Vardry McBee Society. 

How are funds invested and where are they held? 

The Vardry McBee Council was established by Christ Church as a resource to all parishioners interested in giving assets to Christ Church through their wills or planned gifts. These funds are held separately and invested by the Christ Church Endowment Corporation, using professional, outside investment managers. The Vardry McBee Council can provide you with information on how to appropriately designate your gift, based on the gift vehicle you choose. Click here for more information on the Endowment Funds.

Leaving a Legacy

If Christ Church is already in your will or other estate plan, please let us know by clicking here or notifying us by mail at: 

Christ Church
10 North Church Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29601 

If you have any questions about the Vardry McBee Society and the many creative ways you can support the mission and vision of Christ Church, or need further confidential information or assistance, we would like to hear from you. Please call Anne Jolly at 864-271-8773 ext. 144 or email ajolly@ccgsc.org or call Bern Mebane at 864-250-4446.