The Stoney Creek Independent Presbyterian Chapel of Prince William Parish is a big name for this little church in McPhersonville. Located in Hampton County, local non-Anglicans formed this congregation in 1743. It was incorporated in 1785.
McPhersonville was once a summer village for wealthy planters, and in 1833, church members built this chapel for their seasonal worship. It is the only pre-Civil War structure in McPhersonville. During the Civil War Union troops used the chapel as a hospital and campsite.
Membership dropped in the twentieth century as the regional economy fell. The congregation finally dissolved in 1967, though First Presbyterian Church in Beaufort maintains the building today.
The Stoney Creek Independent Presbyterian Chapel of Prince William Parish is listed in the National Register:
Constructed ca. 1833, Stoney Creek Independent Presbyterian Chapel is the only pre-Civil War structure remaining in the village of McPhersonville. This village was built on high ground away from the rice fields in the midst of a tall pine forest. Built by the planters of Prince William Parish who resided in the village during the summer months, the one-story frame building is in the Greek Revival style with later Victorian features.
Since it was created as a summer chapel, Stoney Creek is plain and austere, as one would expect for a Presbyterian congregation. It boasts an imposing façade with four Doric columns supporting a pedimented roof, sash windows with semi-elliptical transoms, and a round stained glass window. An octagonal steeple was added in 1890. The lantern of the steeple features arched 6-light windows on four sides. A small wooden finial rests atop the conical roof. The interior is very simple with plain plaster walls, original wooden pews, and wide pine floors. The site was used as a hospital and the grounds for a campsite by Federal troops. Regular worship at the chapel dwindled due to the economy and lack of growth in the community. As a result the congregation was dissolved in 1967.
More Pictures of Stoney Creek Presbyterian Church
Periodic gtherings/picnics, annual, are held at the church. Contact: Curator and steward, Stoney Creek Presbytrerian Foundation, Inc., Beaufort, SC
I am a descendant of Reverend William Hutson, the first pastor of the Stoney Creek Presbyterian Chapel. Together with several cousins, I visited the chapel today. I noticed two brass plaques on pews honoring certain people. I would like to make a contribution to pay to have a plaque honoring the Reverend William Hutson as the first rector of the church mounted on the lectern at the head of the Chapel even though this is a later building than the one in which he would have conducted services. Would you please advise me how this might be arranged?
Thomas Rollins Broussard
Stoney Creek Presbyterian Church is a hidden jewel of the lowcountry. It is well worth visiting and reminiscing about the early settlement of our country and state.
My great, great grandfather was George Washington Tucker. Thanks.
Is there a cemetery nearby? My great, great grandfather was confederate private. He was wounded in the Battle for Marye’s Height in the Battle for Fredericksburg. He may have been hospitalized there. Are there blood stains on the floor? The Relic Room at Columbia U. indicated to me that there was a church in S.C. – Pocotilago comse to mind, but I’m unsure. Thank you in advance for responding.