Thornwell’s vision is to see hopeful, healthy, and empowered children and families fulfilling their God-given potential.
As a Christian ministry, our mission is to provide safe and nurturing environments where we educate, equip, and support children and families to thrive.
150 years ago, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, a young minister of First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, South Carolina, grieved for children and families devastated by the Civil War. A simple dream bloomed—a safe-haven where children and families could grow, heal, and thrive.
Dr. Jacobs’ dream was energized when 10-year-old Willie Anderson of a nearby community gave Reverend Jacobs fifty cents and said, “This is to help build your orphanage.”
Rooted in faith, Dr. Jacobs knew that with God and loving support, the human spirit remains remarkably resilient despite hardship. On October 1st, 1875, Thornwell opened its doors to 10 orphaned children. Dr. Jacobs’ belief “that God so willed and would, therefore, support the endeavor,” carried him and his beloved orphanage throughout the years until his death in 1917.
Dr. Jacobs documented the progress and struggles of the fledgling orphanage in his diary. Many find his recorded words inspirational for his demonstration of reliance upon the Lord for provisions for his children. Further, Dr. Jacobs’ diary catalogs the answers that God provided. Those answers were often exactly what Dr. Jacobs needed and came at just the right time.
The Home of Peace was the original residence of Dr. William Plumer Jacobs. In his home, Dr. Jacobs and his wife, Mary, welcomed the first children to find a refuge at Thornwell.
As the longest-serving, faith-based children and family ministry of our kind in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the Southeast, Thornwell continues to walk alongside those at life’s toughest crossroads. We can celebrate this milestone because a faithful community has always stood with us—then, now, and into the future. With gratitude and hope, we look ahead, knowing that because of today’s unwavering support, generations to come will continue to find healing, connection, and the chance to truly thrive here.
Strong children and families mean strong communities. Thornwell has a legacy of adapting programs as society has changed around us and expanding services to meet identified needs. Backed by a community of support and empowered by meaningful partnerships, we have had the privilege of witnessing and supporting 150 years of hope, joy, and healing! We are empowered by God’s grace and a robust network of supporters to serve, love, and support the next generation who may find their way to our doors – for the next 150 years and beyond.
If one dollar is offered me for the Home of the Fatherless this month, or one child is tendered me, I will take it as God’s call to this work. And if I enter upon it, then my lot is fixed for life in Clinton.
-Dr. William Plumer Jacobs
Behind each program and service here at Thornwell is a team of passionate, trauma-informed professionals dedicated to empowering children in need and building stronger families across the Southeast.
Our Impact
Blog
Media
Media
Find information and press kits readily accessible for you to share all about Thornwell.