Service

Founder's Day

Founders Day is an event sponsored by Tiger Brotherhood and is observed annually. University trustees, faculty, administrators, staff, students and members of the community gather in commemoration of the life of Thomas Green Clemson on the anniversary of his death.

The service is a moving experience to sit in the church and worship there as the Calhoun and Clemson family did. An added experience is hearing the pump organ that Mrs. Flora Calhoun helped raise funds for played.

St Paul's in Pendleton, established June 17, 1819, is the oldest Episcopal church in the Upstate.
The present building was completed in 1822. The church is an inactive parish although services are conducted two times a month and on special occasions.

Among several notable figures that are buried in St. Paul's Churchyard include:

Mrs. John C. Calhoun, a lifelong member of St Paul's (Clemson’s father-in-law, John C. Calhoun, is buried at St. Philip's in Charleston.)

Thomas G, Clemson and his wife Anna Marie Calhoun

General Banard E. Bee (the individual who gave the name "Stonewall" to General Thomas Jonathan Jackson).

The Episcopal service for Founder’s Day, Evening Prayer, is conducted in the same manner that it would have been at the time of Thomas Clemson's death. Following the service, the attendees assemble at the Thomas Clemson's grave site for a laying of a wreath and remarks by University President James Barker.