Old Sheldon Church Ruins – Yemassee, South Carolina
South Carolina | SC Picture Project | Beaufort County Photos | Old Sheldon Church Ruins
The Old Sheldon Church, formerly known as the Prince William Parish Church, has had a tumultuous and eventful history. From its first service in 1757 to its present peaceful setting, the church has followed the travails of our region’s history.
Originally organized and funded in the 1740s and 50s by William Bull, whose Newberry Plantation bordered the church grounds, the church was set on fire during the Revolutionary War. It was then rebuilt from the remaining walls in 1826.
Common knowledge states that on January 14, 1865, Sherman’s troops burned the church a second time, as part of the “March to the Sea” campaign. While the walls still refused to fall, it was never to be repaired again.
However, another possible fate has come to light. In a letter dated February 3, 1866, after the end of the Civil War, Milton Leverett wrote that “Sheldon Church not burn’t. Just torn up in the inside, but can be repaired.” The inside of the church was apparently gutted by whites and blacks who needed the materials to rebuild their homes burnt by Sherman’s army. This information comes from “The Leverett Letters,” published by the University of South Carolina Press and can be found on pages 403 and 405.
Directions to the site:
The Sheldon Church ruins are located on Sheldon Church Road between Gardens Corner and Yemassee. Coming from Beaufort on US 21 North, as you approach the intersection of US 17 at Gardens Corner, bear left, continue through the stop sign and go about 1/4 mile. Turn right onto Sheldon Church Road, which is directly across from Bull Point Plantation.
Go about two miles and you’ll see the ruins on the right side of the road.
34 Comments about Old Sheldon Church Ruins
August 10th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Is there a fee to get married at the church if so how much and who did I speak to?
August 10th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Hello! We aren’t sure whether there are fees involved, but the best place to contact would probably be the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce – http://www.beaufortsc.org/
Good luck!
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:06 pm
My wife and I were married at the Old Fort Dorchester State Park. It dates back to the Revolutionary War times as well and the bell tower is still standing.
September 29th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Melissa- did you find out any information? I am interested as well
October 2nd, 2010 at 8:42 pm
My wife and I visited the ruins today (Oct. 2, 2010). It was a beautiful clear day, mid 70′s, low humidity – a perfect day. If you are in to history the ruins are a very moving place. Anyway, there is a sign there with a phone number to call if you want to hold an event there. I took plenty of pictures, but unfortunately (sorry to Melissa) I didn’t take any of the sign (no reason too). If you search enough I’m sure you will find who to contact. It would be an absolutely memorable place to have a special event!
October 10th, 2010 at 9:15 am
What a beautiful setting! Saw a wedding there yesterday. It must be one of the most delightful places to start a marriage in America if you appreciate history and especially Southern history.
October 11th, 2010 at 8:38 am
There is a phone number posted right inside the gate to call if you want to use the grounds there (for weddings etc). Sorry, I didn’t write it down. This is outside with swamps around it so if you plan a wedding it might be smart to also plan to have some type of bug (mosquito) spraying done to make it more pleasant.
January 13th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
I went there today, it was beautiful
January 22nd, 2011 at 6:17 pm
My son and my daughter in law were married at this beautiful spot in 2008. Contact St. Helena’s Church in downtown Beaufort to find out the contact person regarding weddings. In 2008, the cost was $200 but it may be more now. Don’t wait as dates fill up quickly.
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:37 am
I am getting married at Old Sheldon Church in May. The cost is $1000 which includes spraying for mosquitos and is a tax deductible donation. The number to call is 843-466-0151.
March 17th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
A wedding at Old Sheldon Church is beautiful, and nearby Richfield Plantation is a great place for a reception
May 31st, 2011 at 8:34 am
My family has a house close to there. We stopped by and looked around. Its really cool to see that the church is still standing and is a wonderful piece of history.
June 15th, 2011 at 11:34 am
I would love to take my bridal portraits here..does anyone know if there is a charge to take pictures?
Thanks!
July 2nd, 2011 at 7:05 am
Ally- plenty of people go there to take pictures- just go and plan on waiting if there are others/tourists/etc. They will be gorgeous!
July 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Can’t emphasize enough about the bug spray. I was just there at dusk on July 20 to photograph, and the place has BOTH black flies AND mosquitoes. The photos were worth the effort.
August 29th, 2011 at 11:14 am
Absolutely beautiful place… so peaceful! Got great photos in just a matter of minutes as I was passing through. But I DO, DO, DO recommend the bug spray as said before…
September 16th, 2011 at 9:47 am
One of the most beautiful spots in Beaufort County!
October 6th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
Old Sheldon works its magic on everyone who visits here. There is a feeling of time stopped – as if someone from the past could easily step out of the shadows! The light, the air, the mood of the ruins are awesome and addictive – you make a promise to yourself that you will return.
November 16th, 2011 at 10:38 am
This is a beautiful place! For many years I took my sons to see this place — you can obtain peace here.
November 16th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
Hi everyone! My dream has always been to get married here but I’m so concerned about a venue for my reception. Can anyone help point me in a good direction on places nearby for a reception?
November 17th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Sarah, check out Richfield Plantation! It is absolutely beautiful and it will continue the old southern feeling you get from the ruins! I just had my engagment party at Richfield and we were very happy!
November 26th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Have been several times, never fails to impress me. It is amazing the history surrounding the site and really shows the perseverance of the American people.
December 4th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
My sister and I were there 10-11-11 about 10AM and she waited in the car with the sun roof open while I ventured to take photos. The church and grounds are very beautiful and moving. The silence brings you to imagine what the church must have been like when in use by the parishioners. BUT I was there before anyone else ventured out and the mosquito were looking for brunch. I am glad I braved the bugs to get the photos, as I was not disappointed. On my run back to the car, my sister was battling the bugs trying to get in the sun roof, but it was all worth it.
December 18th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Does anyone know where I can find/buy prints of the church? My husband and I were there a couple years ago, and I would love to frame a nice photo or painting of it for our home.
December 22nd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Hey LizB1979, the bottom picture of the two is mine. I sell prints all the time and I’d be happy to get one out to you if you’d like. You can just click my name above there and it takes you to my site.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
My husband & I visited while heading to Florida on vacation and this is the most beautiful area!
In the pictures I took of the church and grounds, I was amazed to see light filling the open windows of the church from above! Looked as if it was filled with the Light of God. Absolutely beautiful!
March 23rd, 2012 at 4:46 pm
I recently visited Sheldon Church. It is a beautiful place, and the resting place of several of my ancestors (William Bull, Mary Bull, etc.). The grounds are well kept, but I was disturbed to see the poor condition of the Bull tombs. They have deteriorated to a great degree from tourist and other traffic since the 1960s when I first saw them. I know that most visitors and users of the grounds are sensitive to the history and importance of these monuments, but wish that others would respect the fact that many of us still see this as sacred ground where our ancestors once worshiped. I want future generations of our families to have the opportunity to go there and see the graves of their ancestors too.
April 14th, 2012 at 11:52 pm
What is the weather like here in early December? We are thinking about this site for our wedding and are very excited, but unsure if it will be too cold. Perhaps the bugs are less abrasive in the winter?
April 17th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Natalie, My husband and I got married here in early March of 2007. There were no bugs (no, we didn’t spray either) and the weather was perfect. Would have liked a few more flowers blooming, but we only had snowbells in March. It was a beautiful wedding and our reception was held at the Beaufort Inn. December is usually mild in South Carolina, but you do take some chances. You are shooting for early December so you should be safe. The usual high is somewhere in the 60′s. I think the bugs would definitely be less bothersome in December-they weren’t an issue at all in March. I did all of my planning over the phone and in two day trips. I loved my wedding, but I wouldn’t do another outdoor wedding- just too stressful! I wish you all the best!
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I am curious are there any orginal sketches or drawings around of what the church looked like in it’s original glory…(before being burned)?
April 24th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I have passed by here several times when I am working in Beaufort. Stopped for the first time today. Such a peaceful spot. Beautiful pictures. You feel like you are stepping back in time.
May 1st, 2012 at 5:14 pm
I LOVE visiting historical places & have been to plenty but have never experienced anything like I did when I visited this site a couple of days ago. I was awe struck & moved beyond comprehension as I entered the walls of the church. I was compelled to sing & so sang part of “Savior like a Shepherd Lead Us”. I was moved to tears just being there & felt as though I just awoke from a dream when I returned to my car. I will definitely visit again!
May 10th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
I am a native South Carolinian. When I was young back in the 1930′s, I attended the annual Memorial Services held each year in the Spring with my Mother and Aunt. Many of my Chisolm relatives are buried in the Church Yard. I have done extensive travels in my life time, but I have found few sites that are more beautiful and serene. I never hesitate to visit the Church when I am in the area and I take pride in taking my family and friends there so they, too, may enjoy the experience.
May 14th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
I visited there on Sunday May 13th, 2012 with my mother and father. It was such a beautitul and sacred place to be. I noticed several things while being there. One of the trees (Located in the front entrance) had bricks inside of it, I guess from another building or structure from the area that once was there. It was very wierd but interesting to see. On the church structure itself, you can see past visiters who carved their name and date in the brick. And, strangely out the corner of my eye, I could’ve sworn I saw a spirit or appericition walking near the woods. It was very cool and I enjoyed being able to walk on such historic grounds.
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