S.C. Code Ann. § 14-2-20

Any judge of a court abolished pursuant to the provisions of Section 14-2-10 who also served as master-in-equity, standing master or special referee shall unless elected family court judge continue to serve as such master or special referee until July 1, 1979. If such judge is elected family court judge, a vacancy in such office shall exist and shall be filled as provided by law. Editor's Note 1976 Act No. 690, Article XI, SECTION 3, provides: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the event any vacancy occurs in the office of judge in any existing family court for any reason, the vacancy must be filled by an election of the General Assembly. In the event that the vacancy occurs when the General Assembly is not in session, the Governor of South Carolina shall appoint the family court judge to serve until the General Assembly convenes. The General Assembly shall elect a replacement for the interim family court judge within thirty days after convening."