A Walk Through Time at the Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Hello fellow wanderer!

I hope you had a wonderful, long weekend and celebrated Memorial Day just as you wanted.

This week, I want to share more about my return trip to Old Sheldon Church ruins. Located just outside of Yemassee, SC, it invites visitors to take a quiet walk and immerse themselves in centuries of history.

We have been to this area before (back in 2020, yes, during THAT time). While I was able to see the church back then, on this trip, I was treated to a conversation with one of the caretakers, who was happy to share some great history. His love for the church and passion for history were evident. He even kept the gates open to let me explore inside! Guys! Walking through the ruins is like stepping back in time! And, I'm not gonna lie, I found myself wondering how many ghosts were walking with me as I explored.

​

History of the church

​

The Old Sheldon Church doesn’t just stand in ruins; it stands in resilience. Originally built between 1745 and 1753, it was known as Prince William’s Parish Church and was considered one of the most elegant structures in the American colonies. The caretaker informed me that the Greek Revival architecture was inspired by a church designed for construction in London. The construction was delayed in London, so Old Sheldon was the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Then came the Revolutionary War. British troops burned it to the ground in 1779. Locals rebuilt it, only to watch it fall again, this time during the Civil War, either destroyed by Union troops or dismantled for materials by locals. Historians still debate the details. The plaque on the left provides historical information, and the one on the right reminds us to treat the grounds with respect and reverence. The fencing you can see in some of the other photos had to be put in place after the ruins were marred with initials carved into the walls, and folks trespassed for photo shoots without permission. What’s left today isn’t just a shell of what was. It’s a testament to the passage of time, the layers of history, and the quiet strength of what endures. And it deserves to be treated with respect.

Light, Texture, and Silence

As a photographer, this was one of those rare places where I stood for some time simply admiring my subject. I felt like I was breathing in the centuries of history as the light from the overcast sky added a diffused glow to the scene. The texture of the weathered brick against the green grass felt timeless.

The archway in the rear of the building was long believed to be an entrance, but recent years have revealed that old architectural plans depict it as a window. I imagine it as a stunning piece of stained glass, adding a touch of elegance to the structure.

​

What the Ruins Taught Me

History wasn’t a favorite subject in school, but our travels have allowed me to get a close-up view of places like this, to have conversations with people who have a connection to the location, and hear their stories. There’s something powerful about this place, not because of what it once was, but because of what it still is: a window to the past, a monument to endurance.

In a lifestyle that is constantly in motion, places like this are a reminder that beauty doesn’t require perfection. I’m grateful for places that give you an opportunity to slow down and listen to the voices of the past. Maybe that’s the ghosts whispering in your ear, telling stories of the past?

​

What's next?

Next week I’ll be sharing a fun adventure to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired! It’s another chapter in the Lowcountry’s long and layered story.

​

Have you ever visited a place that gave you goosebumps? One that made time feel slow or heavy? I’d love to hear about it! Hit reply and share your story!

​

Until next week!

​

Follow me at:

​​​

​
​