The Rev. Robert Christopher Barrett died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016.
Born Dec. 15, 1973, in Spartanburg, he was a son of the Rev. Dr. Charles David Barrett and Sally Bross Barrett.
A recent resident of New Palestine, Indiana, Barrett, whom most of his parishioners lovingly knew as "Pastor Chris," lived most of his life in his native South Carolina. He attended Boiling Springs High School and Wofford College. He received a master of divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, where he met his wife, Elise Erikson Barrett. Afterward, he served as a United Methodist pastor to churches in Manning, Blacksburg, Charleston and Spartanburg.
While at Wofford, Barrett was named the Presidential Scholar, an honor conferred to the student deemed Most Likely to Benefit Humankind. He used the opportunity to travel to 14 countries to study the role of the church in the developing world. His passion for the church led him to serve creatively and faithfully in individual congregations, in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference, and in numerous international mission projects.
His most treasured mission work occurred in Peru, where he traveled frequently to support the work of a local seminary. Barrett was a fourth generation United Methodist minister, and he enriched the lives of many with his warm pastoral caring. During his nearly four-year battle with lymphoma, he inspired hundreds of people by writing of his experience and sharing the lessons of faith that arose from his illness.
During his 42 years, Barrett traveled to 38 countries and as many states. No matter where he was, he distinguished himself for his infectious laugh and joyful service to others.
Survivors besides his parents of Spartanburg and his wife of New Palestine include three children, Emma Ruth, Margaret Elisabeth and Robert Erikson Barrett; his mother- and father-in-law, Meg and Paul Niehaus; a sister, Sandra Barrett Moore of Lexington; three brothers-in-law, Thomas George Moore Jr., James Erikson and John Niehaus; and two sisters-in-law, Ashley erikson and Taryn Niehaus.
He will be dearly missed by his loved ones and friends, for he was a gift to all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chris Barrett Fund for Community Justice, Wofford College Office of Advancement, 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303.
Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, Union United Methodist Church in Irmo. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at the Church.
A secondary visitation and worship service will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Cross of Grace Lutheran Church in New Palestine, with worship service following at 11 a.m.
Please share your memories of Chris or offer a message of condolence at www.stillingerfamily.com.
