The congregations of Good Shepherd Parish in McCormick and Sacred Heart Parish in Abbeville were surprised and saddened to learn that the priest who has been their spiritual leader nearly 10 years will be leaving soon for a new assignment in South Carolina.

Father Allam Marreddy told worshippers at weekend Masses Feb. 11 and 12 that the Most Rev. Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, had selected him to become pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle parish in North Charleston, effective March 12.

Marreddy, a native of India, has been a Catholic priest for more than 30 years. He was ordained in 1979 in the Diocese of Nalgonda, a rural district comprised of more than a thousand small villages located southeast of Hyderabad. There, he served as director of pastoral activities and, for three years, principal of a Catholic school. He also supervised the construction of four churches and three chapels.

He came to the United States in 2002 and was assigned as the administrator of Good Shepherd and Sacred Heart churches. Over the years, he created or expanded several ministries, persuading the members of both congregations to join him in a spirit of discipleship, spreading and living church doctrines.

He also guided the expansion of Good Shepherd’s facilities on Hwy. 221, culminating in the construction of a new Church, which Bishop Guglielmone dedicated on Jan. 14, 2010. The former church has since been converted into a rectory; late last year, Marreddy moved into the new residence from the apartment he occupied in McCormick. During his tenure as administrator, Good Shepherd also built a parish life center, a rosary garden that includes a columbarium, and outdoor Stations of the Cross.

The cost of the new church and the other facilities were paid for by contributions from parishioners who also rolled up their sleeves and supplied much of the labor. Church members admired Marreddy’s willingness to share the workload on each project, remarking that it was not uncommon to see him in jeans and work clothes lifting and digging and performing other chores, many times in the sweltering heat.

During his decade in McCormick, the size of the Good Shepherd congregation nearly doubled, largely because of the growth of nearby Savannah Lakes Village. When Marreddy arrived in 2002, Good Shepherd’s membership was 92 registered households. Today the number is 169.

Recently, Bishop Guglielmone recognized the increase in Good Shepherd’s size and influence in McCormick County by issuing a decree designating the church a parish. It had been a mission since its founding in 1964. Sacred Heart parish serves 78 households.

 Marreddy’s new church in North Charleston is more than twice as large as Good Shepherd and Sacred Heart combined. It serves 620 households.

Jerry Wishall, chair of Good Shepherd’s Pastoral Council, described Father Marreddy as a very spiritual, humble man and said he has been wonderful to work with. “He has brought a lot to our community.” Wishall said Marreddy had done much to reach out to the people of McCormick by encouraging and participating in interfaith activities with other churches.

Rev. Jim Kinsler, pastor of Lutheran Church by the Lake in McCormick, said “I found him to be very open and receptive as he endeavored to build bridges between our faith communities.” He added that Marreddy not only proclaimed his faith but lived it as well. Kinsler said they became friends three and a half years ago when Kinsler arrived to take up his pastoral duties in McCormick and Marreddy called to welcome him. He said he treasures their relationship.

Bob Trettel, chair of the Sacred Heart Pastoral Council, said Marreddy has a deep-rooted faith and described him as one of the most spiritual priests he has known. “He is a very genuine person.” Trettel added that, as pastor, he could also be counted on as a source of strength, providing one-on-one guidance and support to parishioners in need.

Marreddy led the celebration of Sacred Heart’s 125th anniversary in 2010. “We are sorry to see him go,” Trettel said. “He will be missed.”

In announcing his reassignment, Marreddy told the people of Sacred Heart and Good Shepherd that he appreciates the kindness, support and friendship they have shown him during his decade as their pastor, and he asked for their prayers.

It is expected to be several weeks before the diocese names Marreddy’s successor as pastor in McCormick and Abbeville.