With a state that is so rooted in history and lore, it's only right that South Carolina has some of the eeriest and equally most beautiful abandoned places in the state. You've likely already heard about the hauntingly beautiful Old Sheldon Church, but we have another set of ruins that might be the eeriest of all. Not only does the Saint Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins have a history dating back centuries, but local lore has also said these ruins are haunted. Check out this incredible abandoned chapel in South Carolina for a unique trip back in time.
Constructed back in the 1740s, the Saint Helena Parish Chapel of Ease was built in order to serve the St. Helena community, who lived quite a distance from the local Beaufort parish.
Local rice and cotton planters who attended the Beaufort St. Helen Parish found it difficult to make the long trip into town every week to attend a service, which is why the “chapel of ease” was conveniently built.
However, in 1886, a forest fire destroyed much of the chapel, leaving behind a set of stone remains and a nearby cemetery that were never restored.
Today, much of the church walls remain in this abandoned chapel, as well as the plaster. Visitors can visit the ruins and see what still stands, as well as walk the perimeter of the cemetery under the looming Oak trees laced with Spanish Moss.
For anyone who believes in local lore too, it’s been said that the ruins are haunted.
Visitors have claimed to have experienced ghostly occurrences here. Whether it’s reporting strange sensations while walking through the ruins, or seeing things that disappear at a second glance.
It also should be noted that the Chapel of Ease is located along one of South Carolina’s most haunted roads, which may just add to the local lore.
Guests can visit the ruins themselves by making their way to St. Helena Island, or they can sign up for The Spirit of Old Beaufort Gullah Geechee tour, which will take you to the ruins and provide more historical context about this historic chapel.
What do you think about the Chapel of Ease Ruins in South Carolina? Would you spend time exploring these ruins? How about at night? Share with us in the comments! Or if you have your own stories or experiences about this abandoned chapel in South Carolina, make sure to let us know, too.
If you'd like to take a tour of the ruins, visit the Spirit of Old Beaufort Heritage Tour.
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