A Life Care Retirement Community | About Bishop Gadsden

We are a life plan retirement community But we're anything but retired

As the Southeast’s leading life plan retirement community, Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community has more than 500 residents and 400 employee team members that shape its vibrant character. Located on James Island, within close proximity to historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, Bishop Gadsden offers first-class lifestyle in an amazing city. Founded in 1850, Bishop Gadsden is a not-for-profit, faith-based retirement community, affiliated with the Episcopal Church. We welcome everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.

A Ministry Since 1850

When Bishop Christopher Gadsden established the Episcopal Church Home in 1850, how could he have known what would happen over the next century and a half? Bishop Gadsden has grown into a vibrant community that is recognized as a leader in senior living, and beloved by families for generations. Learn more about where we've been and where we're going.

1850
Bishop Christopher Gadsden establishes the Episcopal Church Home at a service at St. Stephen's on Anson Street, in Charleston, S.C.
1928
The Episcopal Church Home moves to Bee Street in Charleston, S.C.
1983
St. James Episcopal Church on James Island, S.C., donates 12 acres to the Episcopal Church Home. The "Bee Street Home" closes and the development of the new retirement community begins.
1985
At the groundbreaking on James Island, the Episcopal Church Home's new community is named Bishop Gadsden in honor of its founder Bishop Christopher Gadsden.
1987
The Bishop Gadsden Assisted Living Community, Myers Hall, opens.
1992
The groundbreaking on the skilled nursing center begins in 1991. The new center, Read Cloister, opens on November 15, 1992.
1997
St. James Episcopal Church donates an additional 38 acres and Bishop Gadsden purchases an additional four acres adjacent to the current property.
1997
On September 12, Bishop Gadsden breaks ground on the new Commons and Apartment/Cottage Community. This will feature 45,000 square feet of common areas.
1999
Bishop Gadsden opens the Commons and Apartment & Cottage Living Community and the memory care center, Arcadia Close.
2001
After receiving the Design for Aging Award for outstanding community, Bishop Gadsden expands its health and wellness services including the Fitness Center, Pharmacy and Clinic.
2006
Bishop Gadsden completes construction of its Chapel, which is consecrated on April 15th.
2007
The Chapel wins the Design for Aging Special Recognition Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Association for Homes & Services for the Aging (AAHSA).
2009
Bishop Gadsden undertakes major renovations as well as expanding its amenities; establishing itself as an innovator in dining services.
2013
Bishop Gadsden celebrates 25 Years on James Island and 163 Years of Ministry.
2014
Bishop Gadsden begins construction on the Quay, three stunning buildings; featuring flats with open floor plans, which will add 45 residential flats to the community.
2015
Bishop Gadsden opens The Quay, work begins on amenity expansion and renovation.
2016
The Market Place Café and Wellness/Fitness Center reopens after extensive renovations.
2018
Bishop Gadsden begins construction on The Glebe, an addition to the Apartment and Cottage Community providing eight new cottages. Bishop Gadsden announces retirement of modern founding leader Bill Trawick. Sarah Tipton named President and CEO of Bishop Gadsden.
2020
Bishop Gadsden begins construction on the new health care and rehab center and expansion of Myers Hall Assisted Living.

A Mission Lived Every Day

Bishop Gadsden, a Life Plan Retirement Community, embraces God's call to ministry. We affirm positive living for all who live and work here. We serve with integrity. We exercise wise stewardship. We reach out with a generous spirit.

These words guide our actions and decisions. While open to your own interpretation, our mission calls us to respect the diverse members of our community, while also working to ensure that Bishop Gadsden provides exceptional care and service. This is who we are and what makes our community extraordinary.

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CARF Accreditation A Focus on Quality

Since 2003, Bishop Gadsden has earned the highest accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF); receiving exemplary marks in the area of Finance and Human Resources. This voluntary process demonstrates our dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life of the people who live and work here through innovative practices and programs. This is a recognition that we take to heart. Only 320 out of 1,849 continuing care retirement communities in the United States have this designation. We're proud to be one of them. To learn more about CARF, visit their website www.carf.org.

Community Involvement We Reach Out With A Generous Spirit

Bishop Gadsden residents and team members are recognized for their volunteer efforts on and off campus.

Dedicated to nurturing the culture of giving, Bishop Gadsden residents, future residents, board members, friends, family, and even employee team members contribute to the efforts of reaching out with a generous spirit. Since 1995, the Bishop Gadsden Community has distributed more than $7.6 million to charitable causes – touching organizations close to their James Island home, as well as those further away. The list of organizations supported over years numbers in the 100s, and continues to grow. In recognition for such contributions, Bishop Gadsden was named Charleston’s 2018 Organizational Philanthropist of the Year by the Greater Lowcountry Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Community Impact Report

GovernanceFinancial and Governance Strength

Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community has been continually noted for our financial stability. In 2019, Fitch Ratings affirmed our "BBB-" credit rating, noting that out of approximately 2,000 Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the United States, only 152 were rated by Fitch.

Annual Report Audited Financials Code of Conduct Privacy Practices

Board of Trustees

The members of the Board of Trustees are as diverse and accomplished as our residents. From current and former executives, community leaders, active business professionals and members of the clergy, Board Members are very involved in the operations and strategic planning for Bishop Gadsden.

Board of Trustees