Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-06-24

( From 1880 to 1880 it remained desolate
The writer can remember how an oak tree
which grew in the centre of the venerable
pile filed the interior, and threw its ample
branches over the Lofty walls, while ceda
sprang from the chancel recess, and hyssol
and ivy coated the ruin with green. 1t wa
rebuilt about 1880, and has been living par
ish up to the early part Of the war. Its ser
vices were suspended by the death of III
valued Rector Rev. Edward Reed. May i
rise once more from its ruins to become
temple of the living God.
The Mission Chapel, in the same parish
built by Rev. S. Elliott for the negroes on the
Combahee, was taken. down by Sherman''
troops in order to build bridge over tha
river. The materials may still be seen in the
bridge.
1t was Mr.. Eiliott's design to revive hi;
church among the colored population, t.
whom he had been preaching the gospel fol
thirty years. Cur Diocesan Board of Mis-
sions had encouraged him to resume his worl
among the members of his former charge,
but his unexpected death deprived the diocese
of the labors of one of the most experienced
African missionaries known to our church
He bad built this chapel, ard given his gra:
t1itous services for many years for the bene
fit Of the African race. For this work he hac
peculiar adaptation but his work has
ceased, his congregation scattered, and bis
church destroyed. What fruit he will find
garnered up in another world, we know not
But when Ethiopia shall stretch out her
hands unto God," some of her sable sons, we
doubt not, Will be given him for his hile.
Ascension Church, Combahee, which Mr.
Elliott served in connection with his chapel
is in good repair; but not used for religious
service. Very few Of the congregation re-
main, and those who'are attempting to plant
in that vicinity are not attached to the Epis-
copal Church.
TAe Ashcpoo Church., St. Bartholomew S
Parish, partially survives-the frame is stand
ing, but its weather boarding and flooring are
entirely gone. Fosters troops used them TO
build bridge over the river. Every planters
house has been burnt for miles around, and
the population generally dispersed. A few
men are trying to plant the rice linds, but no
families have returned, nor have they the
means of rebuilding church or home.
Christ Church, Witowa.-This beautiful
building is standing, embowered as of old in
its venerable oaks. but its doors are closed
and lis congregation scattered: Its. pulpit
and pews were removed by the Coniederates
and the building used as commissary depot.
The beautiful homes of the planters on the
Edisto River, were generally burnt in the
march of the Federal troops. No white fam.
lily lives near the church negroes occupy the
country, and inhabit;the only surciving man.
sion. Airemnant of ibis congregation have
settled ten mile: below, where educated and
once wealthy men may be Seen blowing their
lands and griudiag their Corn, while their
wives and daughters cook and wash. A mis-
sionary service ouce month constitutes the
extent Of their religious privileges.
Church FlQts--This was new building
erected by the pl*ntcrS or. the Ssouo, for the
use of that portion of ST. Paul's Parish which
extended along the banks of that river. 1t
was burnt by th.,Federal army on the Dad
OF FEBRUARY; 1865, accidentally rather than
Intentionally. The troops SIT lire to neigh.
boring house the fire extended TO The church
and destroyed it. The Rector, Rev. Jos.
Seabrook, and family, were at the same time
driven from their home to SEEK heller in this
CITY. The church may be considered extinct.
~ Tile Church on Johns Island This build
ing was used as commssarY depot by the
Confederate forces during their occupation Of
the island but it was not seriously injured
by their use. 1t was, however, entirely de-
stroyed by disastrous fire WHICH swept over
the island in the spring Of 1864, consuming
many other buildings in its course. The fir.
is believed 70 have been accidental. 1t not
known wbe her it originated in some Of the
Federal camps, or in the carelessuess ofnegroes.
This church had also considerable fund,
about $50, 900, invested in stocks and bonds.
The stocks ere worthless, and it is estimated
by its treasurer that $4,000 only can be real
lied from its bonds. Few of the former resi-
dents have returned to their homes, and
there is no present prospect Of reorganzing
the congregation. The pecuniary losses Of
this parish, including church, parsonage and
funds, exceed those of any other congrega-
tion in the diocese but one.
The church at Legarevile, q summer resort
of the planters on this island, was also burnt
during the war. The village was deserted
when the island was abandoned by the Con.
federate forces. On the return Of peace the
churcn had disappeared. The mode of its
destruction is not known. 1t adds another
item to the losses of the parish.
81. Andre,U's Parish-This venerable
church, built in l70G, survlves-but in the
midst Of desert. Every residence but one
on the west bank of Ashley River was burnt
simultaneously with the evacution of Charles.
ton. Many OF these were historical homes in
South Carolina the abodes Of hospitality
and refinement for more tas3 century past
The residence of the Rector was cmbowered
in one of the most beautiful gardens which
nature and art can create-mJre than two
hundred varieties of camelia, combined with
stately avenues of magnolia, 10 delight the
eye even of European visitors. But not
vestige remains, save the ruins Of his ancestral
home.
The demon Of civil wiz was let loose in
this parish. But three residences exist in the
whole space between the Ashley and Stono
Rivers. Fire and sword were not enough.
Family vaults were rifed, and the collins ol
the dead forced open in the pursuit Of plunder.
1t must be many years before the congre-
cation can return in sufficient numbers to re-
build their homes and restore the worship ol
God.
Jan4es klaad.-The church on James Is
land was accidentally destroyed during the
siege Of Charleston. 1t was batween the
Confederate lines. Some of our troops, anu
sing themselves in rabbit hunting,rset fire to
the grass in an old field. The fire eomnu-
snica:ed with the church aud destroyed it,. 1t
was wooden building, and not costly one.
but quite sufficient for the wants of the con-
gregatioo. The parish. has neither church,
congregation, nor Rector,
b:s; The churches in Charleston have suffered
their share of the ealamitics of war. in pro-
portion to their proximity lo the enemy's bat