SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – An annual springtime tradition in Summerville has returned for the 20th year. Every year, St. Paul’s Anglican Church volunteers turn Doar Hall into a tea room with fresh flowers and linens on each table. “We are blessed to have the tea room. It started with ver y humble beginnings. We are on our 20th year, so 20th year anniversary. We will be open through Friday of this week,” said Rector Tripp Jeffords. Guests can come in from 11:30 – 2 p.m. until Friday and enjoy local favorites like tomato pie, she-crab soup, okra soup, homemade desserts, and various salads and sandwiches. “We have the best tomato pie ever, and it’s served with a pretty tea room salad,” said volunteer server Vicki. “Additionally, we have a salad trio… and these are probably our number one items that just fly off the shelf.” Volunteer Vicki is just one of a hundred individuals who come out and serve the community daily for two weeks while the dining option is open. Although, the temporary dining spot stays busy, Vicki said the best time to beat the crowds is around 1 p.m. St. Paul’s hosts the Tea Room and offers a gift shop full of an ‘eclectic mix,’ including jewelry, hand-embroidered items, plants, and leather wallets. “The best description I’ve heard is from a customer that said it’s just like a treasure hunt when we come into the gift shop. You never know what you are going to find, and the prices are great,” said gift shop volunteer Angela. So, how did this all begin? “Really, it was born out of love for Christ and our ability to affect the world and to make an impact,” explained Jeffords. It all started in 2004 when members of St. Paul’s outreach ministry team were looking for ways to help those in need. The women on the team decided to try a tea room, and in the first year, the service raised $22,432. Since then, the Tea Room has continued to expand and offers to-go service as well as reservations. All proceeds go to foreign, domestic, and local ministries, including Habitat for Humanity, Lowcountry Pregnancy Center, Anglicans for Life, Children’s Advocacy Center, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, and more. ...read more read less