St James Santee Parish Church

-



DESTINATION AWAITS:

Today's adventure took me on a dirt road to a beautiful church.  Located on a very well maintained dirt church known as St James Santee Episcopal Church but originally was known as the Wambow church for it was located near the creek and plantation of the same name. (FYI there is also one in McClellanville). In 1706 the Province of Carolina  charter of the Church of England parish was established. They divided which is now South Carolina into 6 parishes. This parish was the first one outside the city of Charles Towne and extended from the Awendaw Creek to the Santee River. The church was built in 1768. It was built in the single-story brick and slate hip roof Masonry structure. The church was built on King's Highway which later was named Old Georgetowne road.  




JUST THE FACTS (BRIEF HISTORY):

* Area around the church and Santee River was rice plantations
* Brick was imported from England
* Columns constructed by local wedge shaped bricks made by slaves
* The windows are round-arched with keystones
* Pews were made of hand pegged cypress 
* Pews are box pews
* Pews were removed during the war, but were not damaged, church closed until they were repaired 
* Original pulpit was located on the north side but later was moved to the eastern wall in the 18th century.
* By 1877 a large portion of the congregation moved into McClellanville
* By1918 an annual service was held and picnic afterward
* 1972 the church was designated a National Historic Landmark 
* small cemetery on the side



TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING:

If you go to visit this beautiful church a few things to note. 1. the open to get in is on the side of the building by the cemetery. 2. Bring bug spray the mosquitos are fierce3.  To get into the church push the slide lock and PUSH the doors in. 4. There is a pamphlet that is found on the table. On the back is a QR code to have an audio tour.


WHAT TO DO:

explore the grounds and just take in the beauty of the surroundings.


See you at the next bend in the road,

Kelli


 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Charles Pinckney Historic Site

-
Image
  DESTINATION AWAITS: Daily I drive by this historic site. Today I decided turn into the site and explore. First mistake was not knowing that the museum was "closed for the season." I'm wondering what season it's closed for? I think maybe winter but since we are into spring I'm not so sure. But entire park is closed on Monday and Tuesday. There is a note to go to Fort Moultrie to get the map which you need to walk the trails in the area. This National Park is free of charge but there is a box for donations.  ADDRESS: 1254 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC JUST THE FACTS (BRIEF HISTORY): * 28 acre of his 750 acre plantation known ask Snee Farm *Colonial Charles Pinckney purchased the property in 1754 *This was known as the "country home" to his Charleston residence *Side note: his great aunt Eliza Lucas Pinckney is the reason why Indigo is one of the two top crops of South Carolina during this time. She's an interesting character and I want to know mo
Read more

Hunting Island State Park

-
Image
 Destination Awaits:  So after a long day of driving from Mt. Pleasant to Battle of River Bridges to Lake Warren and down to Beaufort. I hit the last of today’s state parks. This is park #9 only 35 more to go. At least I have until April of next year, plenty of time. Address: 2555 sea island parkway, Hunting Island, SC Just the facts (brief History): *5 miles of beach, turtles nesting areas are cordon off for protection *Got its name because it was once used for hunting deer, waterfowl, and raccoon. I didn’t see any of those wild animals but did see an alligator trying to cross the road. *Original lighthouse built in 1859 but destroyed in the civil war.  *rebuilt in 1875. Built with removable cast iron plates so air could be moved and rebuilt if necessary *1889 erosion led to it being dismantled and relocated *remained active until 1933 *currently the lighthouse is closed due to repairs. Tips to know before going: * prepare to spend the day exploring or just relaxing at the beach *see
Read more

McClellanville, SC

-
Image
DESTINATION AWAITS:  McClellanville is just off route 17 approximately halfway between Charleston and Georgetown. It seems I have been taken by this quaint town. See the posts listed below. This small fishing village originated in the late 1860’s. It was land owned by AJ McClellan and RT Morrison. At some point they sold lots near the Jeremy Creek to planters. The town started to blossom with the first store opening after the civil war. The village turned from producing timber, rice, cotton to the seafood industry around 1926. This town is still known for its shrimping, yearly they have a Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet. The festival occurs the first Saturday of May each year.  One fact I found quite fascinating, 1989 the eye wall of Hurricane Hugo passed over the village destroying various homes, boats, and other things. The villagers took up refuge in the local high school. The storm surge went so high that they had to get to the crawl space above the false ceili
Read more