Please note that the Old Sheldon Church Ruins are located on private property. The property is owned and managed by St. Helena’s Church in Beaufort.
Sheldon Church, formerly known as the Prince William Parish Church, has had a tumultuous and eventful history. From its first service in 1757 to its present peaceful setting, the church has followed the travails of our nation’s history. It is one if not the first churches built in temple form in the United States.
Originally organized and funded in the 1740s and 1750s by William Bull, whose Newberry Plantation bordered the church grounds, the church was named Sheldon in honor of the Bull family’s ancestral home in England. The church was set on fire in 1779 by British troops led by General Augustine Prevost during the Revolutionary War. It was rebuilt from the remaining walls between 1825 and 1826.
Tradition states that on January 14, 1865, near the end of the Civil War, General Sherman’s troops burned the church a second time as part of his “March to the Sea” campaign. While the walls still refused to fall, the church was not repaired again. However, another possible fate has come to light. In a letter dated February 3, 1866, after the end of the war, Milton Leverett wrote that “Sheldon Church not burn’t. Just torn up in the inside, but can be repaired.”
The inside of Sheldon Church was apparently gutted by whites and blacks who needed the materials to rebuild their homes burned by Sherman’s army. This information comes from The Leverett Letters, published by the University of South Carolina Press, and can be found on pages 403 and 405. Please note that the National Register’s description, quoted below, supports the contested theory that the church was burned by General Sherman’s troops.
A tablet located at the Old Sheldon Church reads: “Church of Prince William’s Parish, known as Sheldon built between 1745-1755. Burned by the British Army 1779. Rebuilt 1826. Burned by the Federal Army 1865. Tablet placed by Columbia Committee South Carolina Society Colonial Dames of America 1937.”
The painting below is a rendering done by artist John Wenrich. Achieved by studying the existing walls and entablature, the rendering is an idea of what the church would have looked like before it fell to ruin. The image was found in the book, Prince William’s Parish and Plantations by John Reynard Todd, published by Garrett and Massie in 1935.
Prince William’s Parish and Plantations by John Reynard Todd, 1935
Sheldon’s ruins are listed in the National Register:
(Prince William’s Parish Church) Sheldon Church is said to be the first conscious attempt in America to imitate a Greek temple. Built between 1745-1753, the ruins of the church still retain their classic simplicity. Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks, the original three-and-one-half foot thick colonnaded walls of Flemish bond and the four all-header bond portico columns remain, attesting to the solid construction and master craftsmanship which enabled it to withstand two conflagrations and over two hundred fifty years of existence. Complete by 1753, Sheldon Church was built along a row of seven Tuscan columns (six engaged, one outstanding).
The western façade had an elegant portico, crowned by a triangular pediment with bulls-eye window and cornice with dentils. The large front doorway had a fanlight above and two round-headed windows, symmetrically spaced, on either side. On the north, five bays between the engaged columns were filled with a single tier of tall, round-headed windows; the other bay was left open for a portico. At the eastern end, above the alter, was a Palladian window, with a round-headed window to each side. Sheldon Church was burned by General Augustine Prevost’s British troops in May 1779. General Sherman’s 15th Corps under General John Logan burned Sheldon Church on January 14, 1865 and it was never rebuilt. Marble sarcophagi in the churchyard bear the names of South Carolina leaders.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins – Getting Married
The Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort manages Old Sheldon Church and the ruins at the old Chapel of Ease on St. Helena’s. Couples wishing to marry at the sites must be members of the Parish.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins – Directions
Please note that the ruins rest on private property. The owner, St. Helena’s Church in Beaufort, asks us to share these guidelines for visiting: No climbing on the ruins or grave markers, no touching of the ruins, no littering or defacing the ruins or surrounding property, and respecting the authority of preservationists and St. Helena’s Church members who are charged with maintaining the property.
Old Sheldon Church is located on Old Sheldon Church Road between Gardens Corner and Yemassee. Coming from Beaufort on US 21 North, as you approach the intersection of US 17 at Gardens Corner, bear left, continue through the stop sign and go about 1/4 mile. Turn right onto Sheldon Church Road, which is directly across from Bull Point Plantation. Go about two miles and you’ll see the ruins on the right side of the road.
More Pictures of the Sheldon Church Ruins
Reflections on the Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Contributor Susan Klavohn Bryant shares about her photo, seen below: “We visited the Old Sheldon Church ruins on a cold rainy day which made the site seem even more eerie than usual. The gothic architecture, gnarled oaks, Spanish moss, and crumbling gravestones always remind me of a spooky movie set, but it’s a beautiful setting.”
Sara Dean, the photographer who contributed the picture below, says that Old Sheldon Church Ruins is one of her favorite spots. She points out an interesting detail seen on the interior wall: “To me and others, it is like a face on that wall that is always watching. I walk around down there and have pictures from all angles, and it is like those eyes follow where ever I walk. It is cool and eerie at the same time.”
What do you think?
We visited this church on our vacation last week. There was a grave for Elica Carey Duncan and Baby Duncan. My maiden name was Duncan. I’ve been trying to look them up.
Hi, I want to stop by and view the ruins on March 2nd. Is there any time when the fence is open to view these amazing ruins? I am so very sad to hear that there has been vandalism. These photos are gorgeous.
I think this church is gorgeous! I would love to get married here. Can I be sent more information?
Hi Allie, we have a section on weddings above. Please review to find your answers. Thanks and congratulations on your engagement!
I really enjoyed going to see the church and taking pictures and reading all about the church. I want too thank you for letting people see the church. I want to bring my family too see it now.
Who built the church? I would love to know. Please and thank you.
I heard rumors that this place now has fences around it and the visitors would not able to walk through this building. Is it true?
Yes, it is true. The building had suffered vandalism and issues with the ruins becoming more vulnerable to visitors. The fence was placed as a form as preservation.
Are we allowed to go there to take pictures at all? I own a photography business and I would love to do some photo shoots here. I’d be willing to sign waivers and everything and have my clients sign them as well
The site is still open to the public though there is now a fence around the ruins for protection, nobody is allowed around the fence at this time.
May I get permission to photograph the church at night and who would I contact to get permission?
Hello, you would have to reach out to the church directly, their phone number is (843)-522-1712, hope this helps!
Great article!
Question regarding Sheldon Church ruins. What is the brick structure inside the church at the far end from the front door?
William Bull is buried underneath where the pulpit would have been, which is where that brick marker/structure is that you see in photographs.
Old Sheldon Church is a wonderfully evocative and spiritual place. My late husband and I used to escape the Canadian winter at Harbor Island and attend services at St. Helena’s. The annual house tour was always a highlight of our stay and a visit to Old Sheldon Church was a must for any of our visitors. Fascinating that it still has a story to tell and new information has been discovered.
Nothing on this site or any site I can find says anything about hours of operation. What time are we allowed to enter the property?
You’re able to enter the property from sunrise to sunset, daylight hours.
Is photography allowed at the site? I have a high school senior who may be interested in taking pictures there.
Yes, it is! The ruins make a beautiful backdrop. The caretakers just ask that no one climbs or sits on them.
Is William Bull buried on the church property?
Would love to know more about the history of William Bull. My last name was Bull at one time, and I know my ancestors were from England – first settled in NJ, then migrated to Bulls Gap, TN. Some went to Kentucky, some to Pennsylvania. Any info would be a help. Thank you!
Very informative page. We’re planning a day trip to Beaufort and saw this as a site to see. The information and pictures on this page were very helpful in learning about the ruins prior to visiting. Thank you.
We are so glad to hear that and we hope you have the best time in Beaufort – it is a gem!
I have an oil painting of the church ruins that I painted myself, and the painting is in my house. Anyone can use this e-picture. It is 24″ X 30″ oil on canvas. Here is a link
https://i.imgur.com/XACo4QF.jpg
Fred Gray Hampton SC 803 943 3186
What a beautiful painting, you have such talent and this is extremely kind of you, thank you so much!
Hello, I’m a wedding photographer from Minnesota and I have a client interested in eloping Halloween night for a simple wedding ceremony and we are wondering if the Old Sheldon Church Ruins is available. I saw that you had to be a member of the Parish to use the Church of Ease, but wasn’t sure if that applied to the Old Sheldon as well. Thanks!
Hello, yes unfortunately you do have to be a member of the parish to wed at either of the sites.
Because of Diocese issues, Old Sheldon has suspended all weddings.
Have been there many times as a child and then as an adult. Last time I was there was 10 years ago and could not figure out what or where is was to find it again. So glad this site is up, thank you. It is beautiful.
Loved the site, want to attend the annual service Easter weekend.
Are there any pictures or renderings of what the church looked like before it was burned?
There are! We actually are going to add one here as soon as our website finishes changing servers. The photo is a rendering found in the book Prince William’s Parish and Plantations from the 1930s, a very rare volume.
If I wanted to get prints of these photos on this website, who do I contact?
Fantastic you are interest in prints! Each photograph copyright is held by the photographer which is listed under each photo. When available, their websites, if they have one, are linked (if you click their name) under each photo. If you do not see a clickable name, let us know who you’re interested in and we will gladly reach out to the photographer and let them know you are interested in a print. Thank you!
I went by one night and the ruins were lit up (very beautiful!). However, the next two times I was by there at night, it was not lit up! Who, what or when determines when the ruins are lit up at night?
Hello Carol, we recommend reaching out directly to the people who take care of the ruins, their phone number is (843) 522-1712. They would have the scheduling and answer to your question. Hope this helps, thank you!
Just wanted to say that it is good to know that your efforts were done with an eye towards unity and brotherhood which is slowly being edged away. Thanks for your site!
I didn’t read what the original denomination of the church was. Could someone help me with that information?
I read above that you must be a member of the parish in order to be married at the Old Sheldon Church ruins. Would that be the same for renewing of vows?
We are not officially affiliated with Old Sheldon Church Ruins so we recommend reaching out to the Parish Church of St. Helena directly to get in touch with them just to be sure the information is up to date, here is the number: (843) 522-1712. Hope this helps!
Just researched the initial movement of the Union Armies in to South Carolina. The majority of the army left Savannah in late January, 1865. However, Sherman did send the forces of the XVII Corp under BG Francis Blair into the Pocotaligo area as a preliminary movement. The XV Corp under BG John Logan has often been blamed for the burning of the church. After scouring the Official Records of the Rebellion, I could not find a Brigade under his command in the area at the time of the destruction of the church on January 15th. The burning of the church may have been done by Blair’s men in the XVII Corp. I am looking for clarification. I am hoping to visit this sacred shrine next week.
A little curious about the timetable of events regarding the burning of the Sheldon Church. Sherman’s troops began their march on January 28th, yet the church was burned on January 15th.
I heard something different. Not sure who set the fire, but people were hurdled in and they locked the doors and then they burned the church down.
This in one of the most spiritual sites that I have ever visited. There is a quiet beauty to the ruins that is outstanding. This would rank right up there with my favorite places and I would love to visit it again.
Do you know if there are any old photos or artist renderings of what Sheldon looked like before the war? I would love to have seen her in all her glory, although she’s still stunningly beautiful today.
I have often wanted to stop in to visit the site but signs indicate no parking on the side of the road. Is there a parking area available near by the site?
Great question! There is a small parking area directly across from the entrance to the church, across the road. Hope this helps!
The ruins still appear to point the way to Heaven…
We go past Old Sheldon every time we visit our daughter in Beaufort. We stop frequently to embrace the history and read the grave stones. Amazing experience that never gets old.
Hi there 🙂 This place looks amazing!!!! I’d really love to photograph it, but I understand that it’s on private property. How does one go about asking permission to take pictures or get a property release? I’ve called the St. Helena’s Church to inquire, but couldn’t get ahold of the person they gave me to ask. I certainly don’t want to trespass or be disrespectful. Thanks in advance!
Hello Rachel, very thoughtful and respectful of you to ask and make sure you are doing the right thing! We know the property owners certainly appreciate that. Old Sheldon Church is open to the public during daylight hours so as long as it is at that time you should be fine! Thanks!
Thank you so much!!! 🙂
May I visit for sunrise photography?
Absolutely, the grounds are open! Hope you enjoy.
I have located my mother’s side of family but have not been so fortunate with my father’s side. We know, part in Germany and Part in the UK. Accidentally I came across the Sheldon Church. We will soon visit, since we live in Destin, Fl. This will be a great weekend trip to search some of the Sheldon family tree.
So glad you will take a side trip to visit! It is a remarkably beautiful and peaceful place. Good luck on your search!
I visited the Sheldon Church a few years ago and as soon as I stepped on the church grounds a feeling came over me and it stayed with me the whole time I was there. It was an absolute mesmerizing experience. I would encourage everybody to visit the Sheldon Church when you get the chance. I promise you that it will be worth it.
We are a Texas family on a summer road trip. We are visiting the ruins this afternoon and we are so excited!
Oh wow what fun! We hope y’all had a blast!
I would like to get married at the Old Sheldon Church ruins on March 17th. How much is it to rent for the day and is it available March 17, 2018?
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We are not directly affiliated with Old Sheldon Church so you would have to contact their number. We found this one online: (843) 525-8500. Hope this helps! Thanks.
I am parishioner of St. Helenas Beaufort. Contact the church office at 834-522-1712 for information on caregivers for Sheldon Church.
Excuse typo 843-522-1712
I would like to know if pets are allowed?
It is considered publicly accessible during daylight hours so we would imagine any pet on a leash would be okay.
Can anyone visit this site? I would love to get a few pics of our little ones, but I noticed this is private property and don’t want to trespass.
Thanks for inquiring, Heather! Anyone is allowed to visit the ruins during daylight hours. Hope you enjoy your visit!
I want to inquire about booking a wedding at Old Sheldon Church.
Please let me know if there is a certain website I can visit, or someone I can contact, to learn more information in this regard.
Thank you!
Best,
Lauren
Couples wishing to marry at Old Sheldon must be members of the Parish Church of St. Helena. For more, contact the parish: http://www.sthelenas1712.org/