Where faith endures

In Beaufort County, history isn’t confined to the pages of books — it’s etched into the landscape, rising in the form of weathered church steeples and historical ruins. From the echoes of Colonial-era hymns to the steadfast voices of the Reconstruction era, these sacred spaces embody the faith, resilience and community that shaped the Lowcountry. Whether you’re wandering through the stillness of an ancient graveyard or admiring the craftsmanship of hand-hewn architecture, the county’s five oldest churches provide a living connection to the past.

Parish Church of St. Helena (1712)

507 Newcastle St., Beaufort

Established in 1712 as one of the original Anglican parishes in South Carolina, the Parish Church of St. Helena is one of the oldest, continuously active churches in the United States. Its current structure, completed in 1724, showcases elegant Colonial architecture and is surrounded by a churchyard with graves dating back to the 18th century. The church itself is a serene and beautiful space, filled with light and timeless charm. Walking through the graveyard is a humbling experience, offering a poignant glimpse into the past. Many headstones date back to the 1800s, telling stories of lives often cut tragically short. Attending a service or simply strolling through the churchyard provides a profound opportunity to connect with a piece of American history.

Old Sheldon Church Ruins (1745)

Old Sheldon Church Road, Yemassee

Originally known as Prince William’s Parish Church, this structure was built in 1745. Burned during the Revolutionary War, it was rebuilt, only to be destroyed again during the Civil War. Today the ruins are a hauntingly beautiful and serene historical site that draws visitors to admire its dramatic brick arches and moss-draped oaks. The grounds are a favorite spot for photographers and history enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to capture the enduring beauty of this sacred space. Visitors can explore the gravestones scattered across the property, some of which date back centuries, adding to the site’s historical depth. The entrance to the parking lot is located on the opposite side of the road from the main entrance gate to the ruins.

Brick Baptist Church (1855)

85 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, St. Helena Island

Built in 1855 by enslaved individuals, Brick Baptist Church on St. Helena Island was constructed as a place of worship for white planters, some of whom are buried in the small cemetery beside the sanctuary. Remarkably, some fingerprints of the enslaved people who made the bricks are still visible in the church’s walls, serving as a poignant reminder of their labor. After the Union army liberated the Sea Islands during the Civil War, the church became a sanctuary for newly freed African Americans. In 1862 Laura Towne and Ellen Murray established what would become the Penn School within the church, marking a pivotal moment in the history of African American education. Today the church is part of the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District.

Tabernacle Baptist Church (1840)

911 Craven St., Beaufort

Tabernacle Baptist Church, established in 1840, originally served as a lecture room and meeting house. During the Civil War it became a hub of education, housing at least two schools as part of the Port Royal Experiment. In 1863, 500 African-American members of the community acquired the building, turning it into a place of worship. Among the church’s most notable members was Robert Smalls, the Civil War hero and statesman, who attended services with his family. When Smalls died in 1915, his funeral procession and burial were held at the church, cementing its place in history as a site of reverence and remembrance. Today the church remains an active congregation, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of faith, community and history in the Lowcountry.

Queen Chapel AME Church (1865)

114 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island

Queen Chapel AME Church’s early history is rooted in oral tradition, with limited documentation about its beginnings. The church traces its origin to 1865, when AME ministers aboard the Steamship Argo, delayed by a storm en route to Charleston, held a service under a large oak tree in the Cherry Hill area of Hilton Head Island. While accounts differ on the location of its first building, the present church property was purchased in 1886, and a structure was built or relocated there around 1892. A new church was constructed in 1954 and was renovated in 2002. The church remains an active congregation and supports the Sandalwood Community Food Pantry.