Old Sheldon Church Ruins

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Travel Tips

Visit during light rain for a private, haunting experience. 1

Drive beneath a canopy of moss for 2 miles to reach the ruins. Parking is on the left. 2

Respect the private property and enjoy the beauty from beyond the borders. 3

The drive along Old Sheldon Church Road offers a quintessential Low Country experience. 4

A must-stop on your way in or out of Beaufort. 5

Visit during light rain for a private exploration experience. 6

Introduction

History

📜 Original Construction: Built between 1745 and 1753 in the Greek Revival style.
🔥 Revolutionary War: Burned by British troops in 1779.
🔨 Reconstruction: Rebuilt in 1826 from the remaining walls.
🔥 Civil War: Allegedly burned again in 1865 by General Sherman's troops, though some accounts suggest it was gutted for materials.
📅 National Register: Added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 22, 1970.

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Architecture

🏛️ Greek Revival: The church is said to be the first conscious attempt in America to imitate a Greek temple.
🧱 Flemish Bond: The original three-and-one-half foot thick colonnaded walls of Flemish bond remain.
🪜 Columns: Features seven Tuscan columns, with six engaged and one outstanding.
🔲 Windows: Tall, round-headed windows and a Palladian window above the altar.
🏛️ Portico: The western facade had an elegant portico crowned by a triangular pediment with a bull’s-eye window.

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Visiting Information

📍 Location: Located on Old Sheldon Church Road between Gardens Corner and Yemassee, SC.
🚗 Directions: From Beaufort on US 21 North, bear left at the intersection of US 17 at Gardens Corner, continue through the stop sign, and go about 1/4 mile. Turn right onto Sheldon Church Road.
🕒 Hours: Open to the public, but note that it is on private property managed by St. Helena’s Church.
🚫 Restrictions: No climbing on the ruins or grave markers, no littering, and respect the authority of preservationists.
📸 Photography: A popular site for photographers due to its picturesque setting.

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Events

🕯️ Annual Service: Held on the second Sunday after Easter by clergy from the Parish Church of St. Helena.
💍 Weddings: Previously a popular site for wedding ceremonies, though currently not available for such events.
📸 Photography: Continues to be a favored spot for photographers.
🎥 Filming: Occasionally used as a location for film and photography projects.
👻 Ghost Hunts: A popular spot for ghost hunters due to its eerie atmosphere and historical significance.

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Legends and Ghost Stories

👻 Haunted Grounds: Reports of strange activities such as heavy footsteps and flashing lights.
👗 Ghostly Woman: Sightings of a woman in a brown dress standing over an infant’s grave.
🕯️ Eerie Atmosphere: The combination of gothic architecture, gnarled oaks, and Spanish moss creates a spooky setting.
👧 Young Girl: Apparition of a young girl in a white dress seen on the road outside the property.
🖐️ Ghostly Touch: Stories of people being grabbed by ghosts while walking the grounds.

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Travel Information
📞 Phone: (843) 522-1712
📍 Address: Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945

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