The Prince Frederick’s Episcopal Church ruins can be found near Plantersville in Georgetown County. It was named in honor of Prince Frederick of Wales, the son of King George II. Construction was completed in 1876, and the church became a focal point of religious life for early Pee Dee settlers. This tower and front facade are all that remain.
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As the rice economy declined in Georgetown, Prince Federick's parishioners moved away to larger cities to find work. The church was abandoned, and time took its tool on the structure. Its remaining buttresses and pinnacles are an example of Gothic style architecture typically used during the 19th century. The church was listed in the National Historic Register in 1976.
The rest of the church was declared hazardous and dismantled in 1966. However, its historic ruins and 19th century graveyard – where renowned local rice planters Hayne Allston, Plowden Weston, and William Sparkman are buried – make it worth a visit.
BJ Thurman of Conway took this picture on the way back from visiting Dirleton Plantation and the Samworth Wildlife Management Area in August 2009.
Learn more about the rise and fall of rice plantations at the Georgetown Rice Museum.
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