Taking a short cut through an old cemetery in Charleston.
This graveyard is part of St. Philip’s church one of the oldest and perhaps most iconic.
Best viewed large.
Walking through and reading the familiar names is like a lesson in US history.
This is in the center of town and a nice example of Charleston. Old buildings, churches, and cemeteries right in city center. Not just this spot, most of the town is like this.
Taken in the ruins of an old chapel and graveyard.
The Cumean Sibyl was the priestess presiding over the Apollonian oracle at Cumae, a Greek colony located near Naples, Italy. She was considered the most important prophetess of all the ancient sibyl.
Her likeness is painted on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo, and Raphael at Santa Maria della Pace, also by Andrea del Castagno.
I can’t speculate why the old Greek story, tarot card, or offering was at the ruins near an old headstone.
Found on a walk.
The grave of Mary Bull, died in 1771, and one of the founding families of South Carolina.
The grave site is on St. Helena Island, one of the sea islands on the South Carolina coast. This was once part of the Bull plantation named Sheldon Plantation (after the English town of their family).
Bull family grave sites are located in the old church yard ruins of St. Andrews Parish. Also known as the old Sheldon Church.
The graves and ruins are on the USA National Historic Registry as they are tied to many of the important founders of the US as well as historical sites throughout the region.
These images were taken on a day I discovered the church was open for visitors. Many of the old churches are open on specific days which is great for photography. This church is the exception.
Luck was with me when I walked by and noticed a small welcome sign.
I am fascinated by the beauty here, and in all the old churches in Charleston.
To view other series on like this click the tag labeled ‘Church’ on the side bar.
Founded in Charleston in 1687.
In 1598, King Henry IV of France issued the Edict of Nantes, granting certain rights and protections to the Huguenots. This edict was revoked by Louis XIV in 1685, prompting an exodus of Huguenots from France.
Above is an example of the private box design for family pews of the time. Most of the old Charleston churches include this.
Site originates from 1794, uninterrupted use as a site of revivalism for over 200 years.
We have visited several Methodist Camp Meeting grounds but I think this one is designed the closest to the biblical Israelite camp descriptions.
The Tabernacle sits in encircled by 99 tents (cabins now).
Preachers ‘riding the circuit’ would give the sermons, attendees stayed in tents as described in the bible. These were known as revival meetings, now called camp meetings.
Every year, no matter pandemic, civil war, other disasters, a week of meetings is held. This included 2020.
If you are a southern Methodist you will have at least heard of revivals still being held. If not, seeing a camp is an extraordinary piece of history. On a shoot once we actually had a private helicopter land in a nearby field when the grounds were spotted from above.
Talk about odd, this Yankee gave a small (respectful) tour of the camp explaining the history.
Indian Fields Camp Ground, South Carolina.
At the right time I find this beautiful site to be haunting. Actually there is a story that has been repeated for 200+ years of a young girl tied to a tree over night by a ‘fire and brimstone’ preacher as punishment. The preacher was run out of the area, little girl survived but still roams the churchyard at night. I didn’t see her.
This chapel has survived the revolution and civil war.
The original family still owns and maintains the property. People from nearby plantations attended services here since the Anglican Church was too far.
A book, ‘Slaves In The Family’, written a few years ago has been a best seller and documents the history here in a narrative. The ruins of the Ball family plantation is just down the river here in the woods. Photos of ‘Commingtee’ plantation are also published on this web site.
There are other chapels like this around the coast, but most are ruins. I can’t help but visit here periodically for a few photos.
Strawberry Chapel, Childsbury, South Carolina.
