Kiwanis Club of Beaufort, South Carolina

Kiwanis Club of Beaufort --- South Carolina CHARTERED JANUARY 6, 1983

Beaufort Kiwanis Club Presents 2007 Clergy Person of the Year Award -See the video

The Kiwanis Club of Beaufort has named Rev. Steve Keeler as the recipient of the 2007 Clergy Person of the Year Award. Rev. Keeler is the Senior Minister of Sea Island Presbyterian Church. The Award recognizes the exemplary contributions a Beaufort clergyperson has made to the community beyond the range of his or her normal parish-related responsibilities.

In addition to Rev. Keeler’s service as pastor of the Sea Island Presbyterian Church, he has provided imaginative leadership for the community by inspiring Beaufort congregations to work together to build affordable housing for low-income families. He has chaired the Church Relations Committee of Habitat for Humanity. In that capacity he brought together twelve congregations to build the Faith House in 2005 and the Apostle Build House in 2007.

Beverly Peutz, Resource Development Manager of LowCountry Habitat for Humanity, nominated Rev. Keeler. She says that Rev. Keeler’s leadership not only required of him monthly meetings and many visits to churches, but also planning and participation in construction and public celebrations. Rev. Keeler’s leadership has been marked by an ability solidify cooperation and to inspire others by clearly explaining why the work is being done. Peutz says that Rev. Keeler knows how “to call people into serve for the glory of God. He knows how to lead people to put their faith into action.”

Rev. Keeler has a history of community service. In the mid 1990’s he mentored and assisted children and youth by starting and coaching youth basketball and baseball teams in Beaufort County. He has served as mentor for students at Port Royal Elementary School, and for troubled children in Beaufort.

The Clergy of the Year Award was presented to Rev. Keeler during the November 29 meeting of Beaufort Kiwanis.

                                     Left to Right: Ron Tucker (President, Kiwanis Club of Beaufort),
                           Beverly Peutz (Resource Development Manager, LowCountry Habitat for Humanity),
                                                                         Reverend Steve Keeler,
                                  Al Truesdale ( Chairman, Spiritual & Human Values, Kiwanis of Beaufort)