“This is our big, grand celebration to kick off all the other things that will be happening throughout the year,” explained Jan Pringle, tricentennial standing committee co-chairwoman with Bob Barrett. “There is a tremendous amount of excitement among our parishioners, and I personally am overjoyed because this is just an incredible opportunity to glorify God for the 300 years our church has withstood so many things.”
“I have never been to a church that seems to be so full of the Holy Spirit with teachers and preachers that lift you up every time you are there,” Pringle said.
It is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the country and is the oldest public building in Beaufort with the original building completed in 1724.
Since its establishment in 1712 as a colonial parish of the Church of England, the church has withstood the 1715 Yemassee Indian War, Civil War encampment by federal soldiers, service as a hospital, the Great Depression and even hurricanes.
Mason Locke Weems is said to be buried in the churchyard. He was born in 1759 and ordained in England 1784 under a special act to allow the ordination of clergy who were not British subjects. He served in Maryland and Virginia and then wrote and sold books, including a biography of George Washington that included the cherry tree story. He died May, 1825.
Saint Peter’s Church, Albany, NY begins its tri-centennial year on February 5. The congregation no longer worships in its original building, however.
Happy tricentenary to St Helena and best wishes and prayers for the next century of witness. Looks like there was quite a celebration yesterday.