Passing through the dense Francis Marion National Forest, down a seemingly forgotten road in rural Berkeley County, in the town of Huger, one comes across the mysterious Eccles United Methodist Church. Founded in 1882, Eccles remains active today.
The simple wooden building shown here is thought to have been the original church structure. The church was built in a typical meeting-house style, meaning that the building does not have a steeple. Though its construction date remains unknown, it may have been built around 1882 when the congregation formed.
The interior is fairly plain. The walls, floors, and ceilings are unadorned and unpainted. The sanctuary is bathed in natural light from the abundant four-over-four pane windows. In the front of the church, a small alter area exists; this is where the sermon would have been preached.
The congregation that worships at Eccles today does so in a modern cinderblock building behind the old church. A well-kept graveyard stands at the back of the property and remains in use.
Note: We have researched Eccles United Methodist Church extensively and we are actively seeking more information or personal accounts. If you can add to this entry in the South Carolina Picture Project, please let us know. Thank you!
Does the church have a listing of those persons buried in the graveyard? I suspect that some of my relatives are buried there. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!