St James Santee Parish Church

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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


 


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