Greenville Woodworkers Guild Garners National Attention with Mission-Driven Approach

Greenville Woodworkers Guild Draws National Notice, Stays Mission-Focused

The Greenville Woodworkers Guild has been carving a special place in Greenville’s history — and in the hearts of thousands of children — for more than 40 years. In April, a national magazine will publish a colorful three-page spread showcasing the guild’s generosity. The bimonthly Woodworker’s Journal, which bills itself as “America’s leading woodworking authority,” interviewed Charlie LeGrand, the guild’s president, in December. He and Kevin Curry, the guild’s executive vice president, said the “Shop Talk” column’s spotlight is positive. More than that, as publicity-shy LeGrand explained, the Woodworker’s Journal shares the guild’s values and vision.

Just a week after the two first saw the article, they shared their thoughts as they sat in the 250-seat auditorium in the guild’s 25,000-square-foot building tucked off Butler Road in Mauldin. “The ethos of everyone pitching in was evident in the acquisition of the current shop building. … (F)or construction renovations, members not only contributed financially but also put in 6,500 labor-hours in 907 work sessions with 252 volunteers.” – Source: Woodworker’s Journal, citing “Going With the Grain: A Story of the Greenville Woodworkers Guild,” by Aubrey Rogers

As the magazine article mentioned, “the Greenville Woodworkers Guild is bigger than many, both in membership and in physical space.” The sprawling former retail space also includes a library, conference rooms, offices, ample storage space, and even a small kitchen. While LeGrand and Curry spoke, the huge shop buzzed with a dozen or so members working among the band saws and table saws, lathes, and sanders. What you don’t see in the spotless space is sawdust. Giant vacuums suck it all up.

What you also don’t see is an organization that draws attention to itself. It prefers to keep the focus on its mission. “The mission is what sets us apart,” was LeGrand’s response to the Woodworker’s Journal in response to a question about the guild’s secret to success. As the article explained, “The Guild’s three-part mission statement focuses on educating members, educating the public about woodworking as an art and (doing) charitable works.”

Founded in 1981

That mission hasn’t changed since five Greenville woodworkers launched the guild in 1981. The group now has more than 950 members. Members aren’t allowed to sell anything made in the shop. All products must either be given away to the community, friends, or family members. Last year, the guild completed 10 major projects, including cabinets for the Greenville Children’s Theatre and stools for children at the Meyer Center. From April through November, a team meets weekly to create toys, the organization’s largest program. Last year, 65 volunteers created more than 1,500 playthings, which the guild donated to 15 local organizations.

“We try to emphasize that if you join, you need to sign up for service, sign up for the activities that we can do for the community, things we do improve this place — because if we don’t do that, then we lose our hearts,” Curry said.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has no paid staff and earns its keep from donations and $150-per-year membership fees. The shop also offers lumber and some exotic woods for sale to members only. “Woodworking enables us to do the charity work, which enables us to keep the building — because without the building functioning, you can’t do the charity work because you don’t have the tools,” Curry says. “So it’s charity and service.”

Timeline

• June 1, 1981: Five Greenville woodworkers launch the Greenville Woodworkers Guild, meeting in a member’s workshop downtown.
• 1980s: Guild begins building its charitable work, starting with the Meyer Center for Special Children, providing toys and furniture for the children.
• 1994: Moves to Golden Strip Career Center, a Greenville County Schools facility.
• May 1996: Marks 15th anniversary with 25 members and 12 spouses.
• 2003: Moves to Harley Bonds Career Center in Greer to accommodate nearly 200 members.
• 2011: Moves to 25,000-square-foot building at 209 Hollyridge Court, just off Butler Road in Mauldin. Member Bobby Hartness donated the former retail space.
• 2016: Celebrates 35th anniversary with founding members Art Welling, Bob Harvey, Bobby Hartness, Michael McDunn, and Bob Ripley.
• 2021: Publishes “Going With the Grain: A Story of the Greenville Woodworkers Guild,” a 142-page hardcover book, written by longtime guild member Aubrey Rogers.
• 2024: Guild’s 950-plus members serve 15 charities, including hospitals and veterans organizations.

Retail Connections

There are two stores in Greenville dedicated specifically to woodworking hobbyists. Both are located along Woodruff Road.

• Rockler Woodworking and Hardware: The Minnesota-founded company has more than 50 locations. It opened its Greenville store in 2023 — its first in South Carolina. 1117C Woodruff Road, Greenville. 864-477-5370. rockler.com/retail/stores/sc-greenville-store
• Woodcraft Supply: The West Virginia-based chain has more than 70 locations across the U.S. The Greenville store is the only one in South Carolina. 1327 Miller Road, Suite K, Greenville. 864-627-8760. woodcraft.com/pages/store/greenville

Conclusion

The Greenville Woodworkers Guild has made a significant impact on the community over the past four decades. With their focus on education, charity, and service, the guild has not only created a space for woodworkers to come together and hone their craft but also to give back to those in need. Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as they have earned recognition from the Woodworker’s Journal, a national magazine. This acknowledgment will not only highlight the guild’s accomplishments but serve as an inspiration for other communities to follow their lead in promoting woodworking and giving back.