The Sheldon Church, also known as the Old Sheldon Church, dates back to the 16th century.
Sheldon Church, constructed between 1745 and 1753, stands as one of the earliest deliberate attempts in America to replicate the grandeur of a Greek temple. The land for the church was donated by the Bull family, whose Carolina plantation and ancestral home in Warwickshire, England, bore the name Sheldon Hall. This historic site was originally part of Edmund Bellinger’s holdings, granted through a patent dated May 7, 1698, issued by the Lords Proprietors.
During the Revolutionary War, Sheldon Church played a pivotal role as a political and military hub. It provided a location for Continental troops to drill and served as a secure hideout for arms and ammunition, concealed within the Bull family vault. Unfortunately, the church was burned in May 1779 by British forces under General Augustine Prevost but was later reconstructed.
Long believed to have been destroyed again in January 1865 by General John Logan’s troops during Sherman’s campaign, recent research suggests otherwise.
By 1865, the freedmen in the area reportedly dismantled the church for materials, exonerating Union forces from blame. The church was never rebuilt after this second instance of destruction. Today, the graveyard surrounding the ruins holds the remains of several notable early South Carolina leaders.
Despite its ruined state, the Sheldon Church ruins continue to captivate visitors with their striking simplicity and architectural elegance. The original walls are three and one-half feet thick and constructed in Flemish bond. Today, its portico columns remain standing. The western facade featured a graceful portico with a triangular pediment, a bull’s-eye window, and a cornice adorned with dentils. The grand entrance is flanked by two symmetrically spaced round-headed windows. The northern side boasted five bays with tall and arched windows. The eastern end showcased a Palladian window above the altar.
Sheldon Church was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 22, 1970.
Old Sheldon Church Road, which leads to this awe-inspiring historic landmark, has been designated a South Carolina Scenic Byway, preserving its cultural and aesthetic significance for future generations.
This April, St. Helena’s Church, an evangelical parish in the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, will commemorate a century of worship at the breathtaking Old Sheldon ruins.
Here’s what you can look forward to in this special milestone celebration:
Monday, April 21 | 11 AM – 1 PM, Bull Silver on Display
Begin the festivities with a rare opportunity to view the historic Bull Silver. The treasure is a chalice and paten from the 1700s used at Old Sheldon. The display will be held in the Sanctuary at St. Helena’s Church. Admire these remarkable artifacts alongside our Easter flower arrangements in the Sanctuary.
Friday, April 25 | 5 PM – 7:30 PM, A Musical Celebration kicking off the celebration with an evening of music, art, and community.
- 5 – 6 PM: Enjoy refreshments while a string trio from Rabinowitz Music fills the air with beautiful melodies. Take a leisurely stroll and admire original artwork inspired by the ruins, created by Jennifer Heyd Wharton and Gloria Dalvini. Don’t miss the rare photograph of the snow-covered ruins by Aubrey Dempsey, all available for bidding in our art auction.
- 6 PM: Rev. Shay Gaillard will welcome guests with a special introduction.
- 6:15 PM: Experience the magic of The Plantation Singers, an internationally acclaimed a cappella group known for their captivating performances of traditional Lowcountry songs. Tap your feet, clap your hands, and sing along as they light up the evening with their infectious energy.
Sunday, April 27 | 11 AM, Annual Worship Service
Celebrate 100 years of worship at the Old Sheldon ruins with a morning prayer service. The service will be followed by a picnic on the picturesque grounds. Bring your own chair, food, and drinks, and join us in continuing this cherished tradition of worshiping in the beauty of God’s creation.
For more information on St. Helena’s Church events, click HERE.
Source: https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/
