Old Sheldon Church Ruins – Yemassee, South Carolina

52 Comments about Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Which British unit actually burned the church in 1779? There were several Brit units operating between Savannah, Beaufort, and Charleston in 1779-82. Also some Hessian(German) mercenaries, as well as some area loyalist forces.

Drive by it every year, 40 years now,on the way to Fripp Island. My parents would stop so we could get out and look around. Now I do the same with my kids! It is a great family tradition we have every year. My wife had her wedding portrait taken at the church.

Yes, one of the pictures above is mine Jennifer.

Good news, Jennifer! There is no fee!

Does anyone know if there is a fee to take photos here? Also does any of the pictures belong to anyone on here?

My wife and I recently visited this very sacred place for the second time and both times definitely noticed the feeling of a special spiritual presence–definitely hallowed ground. I found myself humming the 1962 gospel hymn by Doris Akers “There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place.” College and university choirs that are “on tour” in the area should visit the site and sing this hymn while they are there. Of course, in January we experienced no bugs!
John M. Clayton, Jr.

While stationed at MCAS Beaufort 92-96, went there on numerous occasions. Very peaceful spot and the old fashioned hand pump water well still works. What a great place full of history.

When visiting my son, a marine corps Sgt who lives in Yemasee, and we were taking the kids to school we saw the church and stopped. I have been there three times … it’s the most peaceful place I know of. As soon as you get back to the church and enter you feel as though someone has their arms around you. We stopped with the kids on the way home and the oldest said she felt warm there. I said I knew what she meant. It’s just beautiful!! We were saddened when we were back over Thanksgiving and saw someone destroyed some of the tombstones? Who would do this?

I am originally from California and my husband is from here so the first time we visited this beautiful place was in 2000 during a family vacation. I instantly fell in love! We have since moved here and live in Columbia but we visit every chance we get. It is a place of great beauty and peace. I have never been so moved as I am while I am there. My husband and I are planning on renewing our vows and this is where we will do it. I wouldn’t dream of any place else!

I have visited this church since I was 1 year old. My family and I vacation at the near by Hunting Island every summer. We always stop and take in the wonderful history of this church. I consider this church a part of my family tradition. I must have two hundred pictures of my family and this church.

I live 5 minutes from this site and have never been bothered by bugs year round at Old Sheldon Church. However, once you get east of US 17, bugs are out when temps are above 60F and below 80F. They hide under the grass and leaves and can be stirred up outside those parameters, though.

We are getting married this year at the ruins, but still dont have a idea of who we can get to marry us…Could you please help.
We can travel one weekend soon to meet them. We about 1.5 hours away

I live in yemassee. Pass it twice a day going to base an never pay it any attention cause I didn’t know it’s history. Quite a lovely place. Congrats Scott. I take it that your with 273. Stay safe

My husband is from Beaufort/Seabrook – and everytime we visit our family, we pass the church. I was finally able to get him to stop this May to let me take pictures. It is an absolutely beautiful place, and the weddings we’ve passed are out of a storybook. I would have LOVED to have had our wedding there.

What a Great place to visit on a Sunday morning. I imagine the Sunday service in my mind. I ‘m having a spiritual and historical fix all in one. Wow!

My fiance has selected this location for our upcoming wedding… I am looking forward to previewing the Ruins when I return from Afghanistan. I am sure its as special as everyone says.

I always go past here everyday. I’m from Charleston and work in Hilton Head. I always see this sitting back in the woods and never stopped, but today I did and the place was cool. Just the feeling of being somewhere where history took place was an awesome feeling…..BTW good place to get married

I just recieved pics in mail from an aunt and this is Church is one of them. Apparently my family dates way back in the South as I had relatives that were married in this church. Who knew, go figure. And she even included the Bishops name of Stephen Elliott, however, she did not include dates.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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)?

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!

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

This is a beautiful place! For many years I took my sons to see this place — you can obtain peace here.

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.

One of the most beautiful spots in Beaufort County!

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…

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.

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!

I would love to take my bridal portraits here..does anyone know if there is a charge to take pictures?
Thanks!

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.

A wedding at Old Sheldon Church is beautiful, and nearby Richfield Plantation is a great place for a reception

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.

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.

I went there today, it was beautiful

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.

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.

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!

Melissa- did you find out any information? I am interested as well

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.

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!

Is there a fee to get married at the church if so how much and who did I speak to?