Sanco Rembert facts for kids

Sanco King Rembert (born November 11, 1922 – died August 14, 2015) was an important American church leader. He made history as the first African-American bishop in the Reformed Episcopal Church. He helped lead the church in the southern United States for many years. After Bishop Rembert, all the main bishops in the Diocese of the Southeast have been African-American.

His Early Life and Education

Sanco Rembert was born in 1922 in Pineville, South Carolina. He was one of 14 children. His father, Samuel Edward Rembert, was also a minister.

In 1945, Sanco Rembert earned a science degree from Benedict College. He studied chemistry and mathematics. After college, he worked as a private detective in New York City. He was planning to go to medical school.

Becoming a Church Leader

In 1947, Sanco Rembert had a special experience that changed his life. He felt called to serve God instead of working as a detective. He decided to study theology, which is the study of religious faith.

He earned two advanced degrees in theology from New York Theological Seminary. He became a deacon in the Reformed Episcopal Church in 1951. Two years later, in 1953, he became a presbyter (a type of minister). He led several churches in the southern part of the Reformed Episcopal Church. In 1959, he founded the New Israel Reformed Episcopal Church in Charleston.

His Time as Bishop

In 1965, Sanco Rembert was chosen to be an assistant bishop. He officially became a bishop in May 1966. This was a very important moment because he was the first African-American bishop in the Reformed Episcopal Church.

Later, in 1970, he was chosen to become the main bishop after William Jerdan. He took on many important jobs. He visited churches and helped guide other ministers. In 1979, he reopened Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary. This was a seminary, or school for training ministers, for the church.

Bishop Rembert became the main bishop in 1987. He served until he retired in 1998. During his time as bishop, he continued to lead the New Israel R.E. Church. He also helped rebuild the church's conference center after a big hurricane. He oversaw the repair or rebuilding of many churches. The number of churches in his area grew from 27 to 38 under his leadership. He also served as a vice president for the church's main council.

Making a Difference in the Community

Bishop Rembert was involved in many community activities. He was the first vice president of Jenkins Orphanage, which helped children. He also led a Christian school. He worked to improve education in Charleston. He was a chaplain at a hospital, offering spiritual support. He also helped organize efforts to improve neighborhoods in Charleston.

In 2000, the governor of South Carolina appointed him to a state board. This board made decisions about parole and pardons. In 1966, he was the first African-American member of the Charleston Ministerial Association. This group brought together ministers from different churches.

Personal Life

Sanco Rembert was married to Carrie Mae Brooks. They had two daughters. Carrie Mae passed away in 2012.

Bishop Rembert retired to Columbia, South Carolina, in 2003. In 2013, he married Patricia Simmons Singleton. He passed away in Columbia on August 14, 2015, at the age of 92.

His Legacy

Bishop Rembert strongly believed in making the Reformed Episcopal Church more welcoming to people of all races. He encouraged more African-American church members to take part in church leadership.

In 2001, the South Carolina Department of Education honored Bishop Rembert. They featured him in their African-American History Month calendar. He was recognized alongside other important black South Carolinians.

In 2022, Cummins Seminary created a special lecture series in his honor. It is called the Bishop Sanco K. Rembert Memorial Lecture. This lecture celebrates his contributions and legacy.