June 17, 2015 was one of the darkest days in South Carolina history when a group of nine worshipping at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston were shot and killed. Our state and the nation mourned the tragic loss of these precious lives and watched as the families of the victims stood up one by one in the courtroom proclaiming a message of forgiveness, along with calls for justice, to the shooter, an unexpected, unforgettable display of grace. How fitting, then, it was when a park with a memorial to the Emanuel Nine victims in South Carolina was named Amazing Grace Park.

Memorial to Emanuel 9 Victims
Amazing Grace Park via Facebook
Amazing Grace Park held its grand opening on July 31, 2021. It's located on West Dozier Street in the town of Marion, found in the northeastern corner of South Carolina.
The memorial to the Emanuel 9 victims is a beautiful water fountain with a plaque and nine jets to honor each of their lives, cut short so suddenly at Mother Emanuel Church.
Amazing Grace Park via Facebook
Located adjacent to the fountain is a patinaed copper sculpture of five wings, named The Ascension, symbolizing the Emanuel Nine's souls ascending to Heaven. Artist Jim Weitzel created the sculpture, inspired from wing-shaped clouds.
Amazing Grace Park, The Clementa Pinckney Memorial via Google Reviews
By the sculpture is a memorial for the Reverend Senator Clementa Pinckney, who was one of the Emanuel Nine. He was ordained at 18 years old and was the youngest member of the South Carolina State Legislature at age 23. He spent a lot of time in Marion County with his family during the summer months.
Amazing Grace Park via Facebook

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Amazing Grace Park is a wonderful spot for taking a nice walk along the trails that meander around the park and are lined with native flowers and foliage.
Pee Dee Tourism Commission via Facebook
One of Senator Pinckney's great loves was music, which led to the placement of interactive instruments along the trail at this incredible park.
Amazing Grace Park, The Clementa Pinckney Memorial via Google Reviews
Another fun, unique feature of Amazing Grace Park in Marion is a climbable fox sculpture, named Faith the Fox, a tribute to the namesake of Marion County, Francis Marion, called "The Swamp Fox" by his supporters.
Amazing Grace Park
Read more about Francis Marion in the book, The Swamp Fox: How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution.
The park is dog-friendly and even has a double-gated dog park area for our furry friends to play!
Pee Dee Tourism Commission via Facebook

Amazing Grace Park also has a pavilion with air-conditioned bathrooms and a concession stand. It’s such a wonderful way to ensure the legacy of a great South Carolinian lives on. Some say you can even feel the love that led to the building of this park!

Have you had a chance to visit this park yet?

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Amazing Grace Park, 307 W Dozier St, Marion, SC 29571, USA