Portrait of Monsignor James A. Carter with simple frame.

Called to Greatness out of Necessity

With Executive Director Stephanie Kelley at ECCO for the unveiling of the portrait

I’m very excited to finally be able to share my portrait of Monsignor James A. Carter, created for ECCO of Mount Pleasant. A native of Charleston, James Carter grew up on Broad Street and was ordained as a priest in 1966. He originally intended on becoming a lawyer. But God had other plans for him.

Monsignor Carter became the Pastor of Christ Our King in 1989, which was just before Hurricane Hugo devastated Charleston. This catastrophe led him to establishing the East Cooper Community Outreach. And even after the Hugo response began to wane, the need continued to grow. Now, after 35 years, ECCO has grown to serve even more of the economically challenged in Mt Pleasant, with medical dental care, a food pantry, housing assistance, clothing and counseling facilities.

The portrait was presented on June 13, 2025, at the opening of a major expansion at ECCO. The portrait was very well received. There had been an earlier attempt, some years ago, which I’m told was not successful. I’m so glad they finally contacted me. The portrait is set in the garden’s behind the Christ Our King parish. I derived my reference from multiple sources, including a headshot taken by Liesl Westbrook. The portrait celebrates the legacy of a truly great human being. a Mount Pleasant icon.

Hundreds of supporters gathered to celebrate this Mt Pleasant legend.

Monsignor Carter passed away September 9, 2024, so unfortunately I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. I am struck by the immense presence he had in the community and the positive impact he had on so many people. People describe him as a man to whom no one could not say no. I was going for the devilish look in his eyes, that seems to look directly into the soul. The look in his eye in my portrait suggests he’s about to ask you to do something amazing for the community. And you would do it. As I previewed the portrait at my Spoleto tent a couple weeks ago, I was amazed at how many people recognized this Mt Pleasant legend and how many came to tears over seeing the painting and remembering the Monsignor. People tell me they can feel his presence in the portrait, which is my ultimate intention.

Here’s a wonderful article on the Monsignor from the Mount Pleasant Magazine, from 2017.

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