Rev. Robert Christopher Barrett
Posthumous Induction
Robert Christopher (Chris) Barrett was born and reared in Spartanburg, SC. He attended Boiling Springs High School and Wofford College. He later earned his Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, where he met his wife, Elise Erikson Barrett. Afterward, he served as a United Methodist pastor to churches in Manning, Blacksburg, Charleston, and Spartanburg.
While at Wofford, he was named the Presidential Scholar, an honor conferred to the student deemed "most likely to benefit humankind". He used the opportunity to travel to 14 countries to study the role of the church in the developing world. His passion for the church led him to serve creatively and faithfully in the South Carolina Annual Conference, and to participate in numerous international mission projects. His most treasured mission work occurred in Peru, where he traveled frequently to support the work of a local seminary. During his 42 years, Chris traveled to 38 countries and as many states. No matter where he was, he distinguished himself for his infectious laugh and joyful service to others.
Chris was a fourth-generation United Methodist minister, and he enriched the lives of many with his warm pastoral caring. During his nearly four-year battle with lymphoma, he inspired hundreds of people by writing of his experience and sharing the lessons of faith that arose from his illness.
The churches of the West Ashley and Sea Islands of the South Carolina Annual Conference have endowed a named scholarship in Chris' memory.