S.C. Code Ann. § 14-5-370: Jurisdiction of judge of adjoining circuit.

In case any judicial circuit is without a resident judge, by reason of death, absence, disqualification or otherwise, and no other judge, special or regular, is presiding therein, then jurisdiction in all matters arising in such circuit is conferred upon and shall be exercised by the resident judge of any adjoining circuit or by any judge presiding therein. Any judge exercising such jurisdiction shall first satisfy himself of the necessity of doing so by affidavit of the moving party.