Purple Fish serves coffee and the community
Jane Early, member of St. Matthews Anglican Church and volunteer barista, stands in front of the espresso machine at Purple Fish Coffee Company, located at 104 W. Hampton Street in Darlington. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The Purple Fish Coffee Company, located at 110 West Hampton St. in Darlington, is an Outreach Ministry of St. Matthew’s Church. They offer many different types of specialty coffees, including latte and espresso, as well as various pastries and other treats. It was started as a safe hangout for teenagers 3 years ago, right before the Covid pandemic. According to Jane Early, it was begun by Andrew O’Dell and a few others. Anna Ervin was the teenager most involved in the project. The previous priest of St. Matthew’s, Hunter Jordan, built the cabinets at the location. Jane Early became involved when she wanted to host a bridal shower there and needed to learn how to use the machines to make drinks for the party. She has stayed to help as a volunteer for the past 3 years.
All proceeds go to Missions such as the SC Medical Mission to the Dominican Republic. The funds raised in the past have helped the needy of this community by providing motel rooms, pay utility bills, buy groceries, provide transportation and also funeral expenses.
The Medical mission team travels to Angelina in the Dominican Republic. They will turn the church into a clinic site and see fifty or more patients each day for illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure as well as those needing wound care. They provide reading glasses and toiletries where needed as well. The Medical Team includes several members from Anglican and Episcopal Churches in South Carolina.
