M.O. and Eva Gardner were dedicated to serving St. Andrew’s Parish
Cultivating community service was strong in the Gardner family. Their labor of love in the service sector produced a legacy that is still seen today. Exploring the story of Eva Gardner’s influence in the establishment of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Wappoo Road for a recent West Ashley Flashback uncovered the shared dedication of her husband, M.O. Gardner, in business, politics, civic membership and church service.
M.O. Gardner’s obituary listed his many accomplishments. In addition to his profession as a building contractor (he was awarded the contract to remodel and improve Roper Hospital), a few of his service commitments included: active member of the Charleston County Legislative Delegation (1940-1946); member of St. James Methodist Church for 50 years and served on the Board of Stewards and Board of Trustees; Worthy Master of Solomon Lodge 1, AFM; member of the SC Agriculture Society; and state commander of the Spanish American War Veterans.
Details of his activities are recorded in numerous articles in both The News & Courier and The Evening Post. Delving into his politic presence provided a window into the issues of the day in St. Andrew’s Parish. His platform listed: “Economy efficiency; goods; roads; drainage; better pay for teachers and improved school conditions.” Sound familiar?
His political advertisement that ran in the July 24, 1938 edition of The News & Courier is a fascinating read. It opens with: “Feeling that the time is at hand when we need more constructive legislation for the rural districts than we now have, I appeal to you for your vote and support for my candidacy for the House of Representatives.” M.O. continued to enumerate the issues he would like to address or that he supports.
Two curious ones: “I advocate the building of a bridge across the Ashley River at Drayton’s Station with Federal Government funds.” and “I pledge, if elected, to lend my efforts to the aid of old age. I am of the opinion that when a man becomes sixty (60) he should be retired from business with a pension large enough to support him, and his job passed on to one of the younger men seeking employment.”
Too bad neither of these items came to fruition during his tenure. But during those six years, Gardner served in the House of Representatives, the newspaper reported on his efforts to get bus routes changed to better serve the Parish; to get water service extended past the initial service areas near the Ashley Bridge, and to get another bridge across the Ashley River to relieve the “congestion on the Cannon Street bridge.”
One article argued for the bridge to be built because of “defense activities” and increase development across the river and states: “…traffic over the Savannah highway is heavy and becoming heavier.” Sound familiar?
There are many examples of people, like M.O. and Eva Gardner, who helped develop the community of St. Andrew’s Parish. Do you know people who influenced the community in St. Andrew’s Parish? Contact Donna at westashleybook@gmail.com.
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