These stone ruins stand isolated on a dirt road in Winnsboro. They are the remains of the original Lebanon Presbyterian Church, organized in 1774 near the banks of Jackson Creek. In fact, the church was initially called Jackson Creek, in honor of its location. A hewn log structure served as the congregation’s first sanctuary. By 1780 a stone church – the ruins of which are seen here – had replaced the original, leading to the sobriquet Stone Church.
The stone church served the congregation for over a century, but it was eventually deemed unsafe. The congregation moved to the current site in 1893, and the name of the church likely changed to Lebanon Presbyterian at that time. Today, the site is referred to as both Old Lebanon Church and Old Stone Church.
The graveyard at Old Lebanon contains many “signature stones,” or headstones that were signed by the artist who made them. You can learn more about these stones, and see more pictures of the ruins and grounds, at Tom Taylor’s Random Connections website.
More Pictures of the Old Lebanon Church
I had the opportunity to visit this hidden gem today. Wow! Despite its sad state of disrepair it’s still quite remarkable. It’s fenced off, but I found a side gate unlocked.
Was this church built by James S. Russell in 1775?
I beleive the “Old Stone Church” was constructed by my Great Grandfather James S. Russell who is burried there, I have a rubbing of his head stone from the last time I was there. Please confirm, Thank you, Michael Russell
I’m so pleased that SCIWAY & Tom Taylor are making mention of this little know place in South Carolina. For some reason Old Jackson Creek Presbyterian, Old Lebanon Presbyterian or Old Stone Church has fallen trough the cracks of recognized history. Very little has been written about this jewel, it’s not even on the National Register of Historic Places or a simple Historic Roadside Marker installed. Any one wishing to spend a few minutes of peaceful solitude, this is the place to be. Pictures do not do its unique beauty justice. I’ve visited this site several times and I’ve always been the only living person there. If any one decides to go, be sure to take a GPS device and the coordinates with them, because it’s not easy to find, but certainly worth the effort. Enjoy.