Editor Pick
Church of the Holy Cross,Stateburg
- April 8, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Bruce from Bishop, California
We accidentally stumbled across this rugged old church while driving to the Thomas Sumpter Memorial,and were immediately fascinated by it's history. We were lucky to run into four members of the church who were lamenting the fact that they will not be able to worship here for the next five years. Turns out the church has termites and is condemed until a restoration is complete. This restoration will take five years, and then the church will again hold services. Since the church is constructed of the indigenous clay rich mud in a poured fashion, the main structure is sound and viewing from the outside can continue. The history of the church is the interesting part of its story anyway.
This church was formed in 1788 and is of Episcopal in denomination. The church that stands here today was constructed between 1850 - 1852 on land donated by Thomas Sumpter, (Fort Sumpter is named after him). The construction is interesting as they didn't use blocks or Adobe Bricks. The building is simply constructed of mud covered by crushed volcanic tuft to protect against rain, even the bell tower. A framed glass exhibit on the outside wall shows what the underlying material looks like, (photo included). I was told that the Stained Glass Window was brought from Bavaria, Germany in 1850, the photo does not do this window justice as I was only allowed to enter the church for a second, and then only a few feet inside.
A stroll through the cemetary plots here is revealing. Many of the people lying at rest here are deserved of such a fine place to rest. One of the occupants here is the holder of The Medal of Honor, another couple were Confederate Civil War Veterans, ones who died in battle. Poinsett is buried here, although he never lived here, he had the misfortune of dying here while visiting friends, so they just buried him here. I will include a picture of the historical marker in a subsequent free form entry. This entry will allow me to get a few more photographs entered for those interseted. Sometimes visiting a cemetary is a good way of finding out about a place. Many Sumpters are buried here also.
To get to this place from Columbia South Carolina, turn east on Highway 378, exit 9b off I-77. Travel approximately 25 miles to Highway 261, turn north toward Stateburg. Travel six miles and the church and cemetary are on the right.
From journal Close To Columbia,Step Back Into History.