Edisto Island Presbyterian – Charleston, South Carolina

Established in 1685, The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island is one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in the country. Tourists and genealogical researchers often frequent its historic graveyard, which dates back to 1787 and is the resting place of many Edisto Island natives.

The main church building in use today was constructed in 1831, and except for some minor changes to the portico and ceiling, has changed very little in nearly 200 years ago.

The church’s sanctuary and manse (pastor’s house) are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The manse has been home to all of its pastors since the 18th century! However, time has taken its toll, so an extensive restoration is underway to make the house more suitable for modern lifestyles.

Edisto’s Presbyterian Church is an important institution in the island community. They operate a pre-school on-site and work with other area churches to maintain a food pantry for area residents who find themselves in need.

SCIWAY thanks Pam Oerman of North Augusta for submitting the photo above of the prayer chapel. She writes: “My passion is taking pictures that harbor thousands of stories. I have passed this church so many times – watching the moss that hangs from the huge trees swaying back and forth, protecting the final resting places of hundreds before us. What a peaceful sight, the Prayer Chapel. A place of refuge, peace and solace.”

Rusty Williamson of North Charleston visited the church’s graveyard in June 2009 and captured the picture below. He says that the graveyard contains a lot of history and that the tombstones and mausoleums are true works of art. Rusty also writes, “Containing names such as Mikell, Whaley, McConkey, Pope, Bailey, Baynard and Murray, the graveyard is a testimonial to the early families of Edisto Island who are so important to the island’s heritage. Five former pastors are at rest here including the Reverend William States Lee, the longest serving pastor in the history of the church.”

To learn more about the history of the church as well as more about current activities for this active congregation, visit their website here.