A few weekends ago, our founding editor’s lovely bride Mrs. Sic Willie was scouring the internet for South Carolina summer “day trip” ideas when she found a picture of the gorgeous Old Sheldon Church Ruins near Yemassee, South Carolina. Half an hour later, she and her four children (including this guy) were in the Family Truckster en route to check it out.
Built in the Greek Revival style, this charming structure predates the American Revolution by more than three decades. Originally dubbed Prince William’s Parish Church, it was burned by the British in 1779 and rebuilt in 1826. Years later during the Civil War it was ransacked by William Tecumseh Sherman’s army, then gutted for raw materials by residents looking to rebuild homes destroyed by the Yankee invaders.
In other words it has seen its fair share of drama …
Fortunately for contemporary visitors, the trials and tribulations of the last two-and-a-half centuries have labored to produce an enduring – and endearing – monument. Sheldon Church is breathtaking – which is why it is a favored site of wedding photographers from across the state.
It’s also a graveyard. For example, buried inside the ruins of the church is Colonel William Bull – a former South Carolina governor for whom Bull Street in downtown Columbia, S.C. is named.
In addition to the church itself – which visitors can walk in (and around) unrestricted – there are plenty of open spaces with low-cut grass for kids to run around and burn off some energy. Inside the fence next to the road are picnic tables, too.
Best of all? It didn’t seem to be particularly crowded … and there was plenty of shade to be found from the surrounding trees.
If you go in the summer, though, be sure to bring plenty of bug spray and water. And if you park in the lot on the opposite side of Old Sheldon Church road, keep an eye out when crossing because cars do not slow down on this particular stretch of highway. Like … not even a little bit.
Oh, and when you’re done visiting the church, bear in mind that the gorgeous city of Beaufort, S.C. is just a short seventeen-mile drive down the road …
Anyway, here are a few pics from Sic Willie and family’s visit …
26 comments
Gotta give you credit Sic, you have a good looking family. You definitely outkicked your coverage!
Thank you very much man. One more arriving in December. Should be good times …
Gotta give you credit Sic, you have a good looking family. You definitely outkicked your coverage!
Thank you very much man. One more arriving in December. Should be good times …
You were right down the road from one of the two houses in South Carolina designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Auld Brass Plantation. Next time you are down that way, it’s worth looking over the fence at it. It’s owned now by Joel Silver.
You were right down the road from one of the two houses in South Carolina designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Auld Brass Plantation. Next time you are down that way, it’s worth looking over the fence at it. It’s owned now by Joel Silver.
Very good – to offer a change of pace. Fine looking family, too. Look forward for more day trips.
Very good – to offer a change of pace. Fine looking family, too. Look forward for more day trips.
Probably one of the best articles you have ever posted. I have sent many out of staters there over the years and they are always awe struck at the history and by the scene.
Probably one of the best articles you have ever posted. I have sent many out of staters there over the years and they are always awe struck at the history and by the scene.
If you are over the age of 22 turn your damn hat around.
If you are over the age of 22 turn your damn hat around.
Thank God the kids take after their momma!
Thank God the kids take after their momma!
Nice.
Nice.
I love this place and those are some great photos.
I love this place and those are some great photos.
Brought to you by SCPRT?
If this is what you mean by “everybody’s gotta grow up at some point,” then don’t bother. I come here for the dirt on SC politics and the occasional boob shot. Not a photo album of a family day trip.
Brought to you by SCPRT?
If this is what you mean by “everybody’s gotta grow up at some point,” then don’t bother. I come here for the dirt on SC politics and the occasional boob shot. Not a photo album of a family day trip.
For once, I actually enjoyed one of your posts. Wish you’d spend more time highlighting the positives of your home state as opposed to constantly trashing it. I promise you, people will still read your blog. Very nice-looking family, too.
Oh, and I agree with Easleyjack.
For once, I actually enjoyed one of your posts. Wish you’d spend more time highlighting the positives of your home state as opposed to constantly trashing it. I promise you, people will still read your blog. Very nice-looking family, too.
Oh, and I agree with Easleyjack.
Been there a number of times. But it’s been too long.
I was once told that once a year there was an outdoor Sunday morning service there.
Been there a number of times. But it’s been too long.
I was once told that once a year there was an outdoor Sunday morning service there.
Come for the pilgrimage service held the 2nd Sunday of Easter every year – picnics encouraged.
Come for the pilgrimage service held the 2nd Sunday of Easter every year – picnics encouraged.