News Summary
The community of Beaufort is grieving the loss of Rev. Kenneth F. Hodges, a dedicated pastor and former State Representative, who passed away at the age of 73. Known for his commitment to social justice and local history, Rev. Hodges served at Tabernacle Baptist Church for nearly three decades. His contributions included advocating for Black history and community support during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on May 3, 2025, in his honor.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The community is mourning the loss of Rev. Kenneth F. Hodges, a respected pastor, former State Representative, and community leader, who passed away on April 22, 2025, at the age of 73. Hodges had been hospitalized at Beaufort Memorial Hospital for over a week prior to his death.
Rev. Hodges served as the pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church for nearly three decades, where he was known for his dedication to the congregation and the broader community. His tenure at the historic church, which was established in the mid-1800s to serve Black worshipers, was marked by a commitment to social justice, local history, and cultural advocacy. The church is significant not only for its spiritual role but also for its historical connections to notable figures, including Robert Smalls, a Civil War hero, and congressman who is buried on the church’s grounds.
A native of Colleton County, Hodges was born on February 11, 1952. He completed his high school education at Walterboro High School before attending Clark Atlanta University. He earned a Master’s of Divinity from Morehouse University’s School of Religion in 1986. Following his education, he took on the pastoral role at Tabernacle Baptist Church—an institution that has historically supported the ideals behind Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
In addition to his pastoral work, Hodges ventured into public service as a State Representative for House District 121, serving from 2005 to 2016. He was recognized for his artistic talent as the owner of LyBensons’ Gallery on St. Helena Island. His diverse interests and capabilities led former Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray to describe him as a “Renaissance man.”
Throughout his life, Hodges remained committed to preserving and promoting Black history and culture. He was instrumental in advocating for a bridge over the Combahee River to be named after Harriet Tubman, achieving this milestone during his lifetime. Furthermore, he led significant fundraising efforts that raised $600,000 for a monument dedicated to Tubman, which was honored with a dedication ceremony in the summer following his passing.
Hodges also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizing food distributions to support those in need within the community. His outreach efforts demonstrated his dedication to social responsibility. He was regarded as both a preservationist and a futurist, always attentive to the community’s evolving needs while holding a deep respect for its history.
Even after his political career in the General Assembly, Hodges remained actively involved in cultural and political dialogues. He wrote opinion pieces for local publications and welcomed significant political figures—such as Beto O’Rourke—to engage with the community through the church.
Hodges was also an accomplished photographer; his portfolio includes images of prominent individuals from the Civil Rights Movement and various famous entertainers, showcasing his passion and talent for photography.
In light of his passing, friends, family, and community members are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service set for May 3, 2025, at Tabernacle Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions are made to the Harriet Tubman Monument Fund, further supporting the legacy Hodges sought to uplift during his life.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Mourns the Loss of Rev. Kenneth Hodges
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Hodges’ Death Leaves Beaufort with a Hole to Fill
- Wikipedia: Kenneth Hodges
- Island Packet: Beaufort News on Rev. Kenneth Hodges
- Google Search: Kenneth Hodges
- Your Island News: Tubman Monument Unveiled
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harriet Tubman
- Your Island News: St. Helena Island Must Not Lose Its Soul
- Google News: Black History Culture
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
