Old Sheldon Church Is A Fascinating Abandoned Place In SC

There is something so captivating and mysterious about the abandoned places we often encounter when we travel and explore across the world. We come across these places and find ourselves trying to imagine what life may have looked like back when people inhabited the abandoned buildings that lie in decay before us. These relics from the past serve as historical reminders of a different time, and a different life. Below, we explore the site of an abandoned church that is arguably one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in South Carolina.

Highlighting the beautifully eerie work of Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo, discover more fascinating abandoned locations across America in our Vacant Series. These unique man-made structures have been left abandoned and are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

Originally constructed in the mid-1700s, the Old Sheldon Church's rustic remnants can still be found standing today in Beauford County, South Carolina.

The Old Sheldon Church has roots in the American Revolutionary War era and contains lots of surprising history within its walls.

It was originally named Prince William’s Parish Church when it was first constructed in 1753. Its construction was influenced by the English Georgian style, and it was rumored to be the country's first attempt to build a Greek-style temple.

Unfortunately, the church was burned during an attack by British troops in the midst of the Revolutionary War in 1779.

Although the church was later rebuilt in 1826, we have no record or photographs of what the original church looked like.

Thereafter, the church was raided and gutted by Union troops during the Civil War. Details of what happened to the church in the subsequent years remain muddled and unclear.

What we do know is that at some point the church was abandoned and left to decay. Thankfully, in 1970 the site's delicate ruins were added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors were once allowed to tour this beautiful relic, but sadly the church eventually had to be blocked off from visitors due to vandalism.

That said, the Old Sheldon Church that stands today is still hauntingly beautiful. It is surrounded by towering oak trees whose large, mangled branches seem to be reaching longingly toward the forgotten church.

One of the more haunting secrets of the Old Sheldon Church is that there are a number of graves scattered on its grounds. Additionally, within the church's walls lie the remains of Colonel William Bull, who helped establish the current-day layout of the streets of Savannah, Georgia.

While it is unfortunate that visitors are not permitted to tour the Old Sheldon Church today, it is important that this piece of our country's history be preserved and protected.

Since these photographs were taken, a fence was placed around the ruins. Have you ever visited Old Sheldon Church? Are there other abandoned places in South Carolina with enthralling backstories? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Additionally, check out these eight abandoned wonders in South Carolina that are sure to captivate you.

Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife. Discover even more spooky places in Vacant: Inside 13 Eerie and Fascinating Abandoned Locations Across America.

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Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, USA

The Abandoned Old Sheldon Church In South Carolina Can Be Traced To Back Before The Revolutionary War

Jessica Moore

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