Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-05-28
to build bridge over that river. The materials
may still be seen in the bridge.

been preaching the gospel for thirty years. Ou
Diocesan Board of Missions had encouraged hin
to resume his work among the members of hi
former charge but his unexpected death deprived
the diocese of the labors of one of the most expe
rienced African missionaries known to our church
He had built this chapel, and given his gratuitous
services for many years for the benefit Of the Afr
can race. For this work he had pecul lar adapta
ton but his work has ceased, his congregation
scattered, and his church destroyed What fruit
be viii find garnered up in another world, wei know
not But when Ethiopia shall stretch out hcl
hands unto God," some of her sable sons, we
doubt not, will be given him for his hire.
Ascension Church, Combahee, which Mr.. Eli.
Oft served in connection with his chapel, is good
repair, but not used for religious service. Very
few Of the congregation remain, and those who are
attempting to plant in that vicinity are not attach
ed to the Episcopal Church.
The Ashepoo Church, St. Bartholomew Par,
ish, partially survives-the frame is standing, 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 dis
persed A few men are trying to plant the rice
lands, but no families have returned, nor have they
the means of rebuilding church or home
Christ Church, Wilto,on.-This beautiful build
ing is standing embowered as Of old in its venera-
bic oaks but its doors are closed and its congega
ton scattered. Its pulpit and pews were removed
by the Confederates and the building used as a
commissary depot The beautiful homes of the
planters on the Edisto River, were generally burnt
in the march of the Federal troops No white
family lives near the church; negroes occupy the
country, and inhabit the only surviving mansion.
A remnant Of this congregation have settled ten
miles below, where educated and once wealthy
men may be seen plowing their lands and grinding
their corn, while their wives and daughters cook
and wash. A missionary service once month
constitutes the extent of their religious privileges.
Church Flats-This was new building erect
ed by the planters the Stono for the use of that
portion of st. Paul's Parish which extended along
the banks of that river. 1t was burnt by the Fed
eral army on the 22nd Of February, 1865 acciden-
tally rather than Intentionally The troops set fire
to neighboring 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 shelter in this city. The
church may be considered extinct
The Church on Johns Bland-This building
was used as a commissary depot by the Confede-
rate forces during their occupation of the island
but it was not seriously injured by their use. 1t
was, however, entirely destroyed by disastrous
fire which swept over the island in the spring OF
1864, consuming many other buildings in its course
The fire is believed to have been accidental. 1t IS
not known whether it originated in some of the
Federal camps, or in the carelessness OF negroes.
This church had also considerable fund, about
$4,000, invested in stocks and bonds. The stocks
are worthless, and it is estimated by its treasurer
that $1,000 only can be realized from its bonds
Few of the former residents have returned to their
homes, and there is no present prospect OF reor-
ganizing the congregation. The pecuniary losses
of this parish, including church, parsonage and
funds, exceed those Of any other congregation in
the diocese but one.
The church at Legarevile, summer resort OF
the planters on this island, was also burnt during
the war. The village wasdeserted when the island
was abandoned by the Confederate forces. On the
return of peace the church had disappeared. The
mode of its destruction is not known. 1t adds an
other item to the losses Of the parish.
st. Andreos Rurish.-This venerable church,
built in 17O6, survives but in the midst of de-
sert. Every residence but one on the west bank
of Ashley River was burnt simultaneously with the
evacuation of Charleston. Many of these were
historical homes in South Carolina the abodes OF
hospitality and refinement for more than century
past. The residence of the Rector was embower-
ed in one of the most beautiful gardens which ma
ture and art can crcate-more than two hundred
varieties of camelia, combined with stately ave-
nues of magnolia, to delight the eye even of Eu-
ropean visitors. But not vestige remains, save
the ruins of his ancestral home.
The demon of civil war was let loose in this par.
ish. But three residences exist in the whole space
between the Ashley and Stono Rivers. Fire and
sword were not enough Family vaults were r.
fed, and the coins of the dead forced open in the
pursuit of plunder.
It must be many years before the congregation
can return in sufficient numbers to rebuild theil
homes and restore the worshipof God.
James Bland-The church on James Island
was accidentally destroyed during the siege oi
Charleston. 1t was between the Confederate lines.
Some of our troops, amusing themselves in rabbit
hunting, set fire to the grass in an old field. The
fire communicated with the church and destroyed
it. 1t was wooden building, and not a costly
one, but quite sufficient for the wants of the con-
gregation The parish has neither church, con-
gregation, nor Rector.
The churches in Charleston have suffered thei,
share of the calamities of war, in proportion tc
their proximity to the enemys batteries on Morris
Island
st. MIchaels Church, the most Southern Epis
copal Church in the city, was exposed to peculiar
danger. For year and half its beautiful spire
was target for their artillery. The public build
ings around were torn by shells aimed at it. The
grave yard was ploughed and its monuments scar
red by the balls so Temorseessly rained upon it
But the lofty spre still lifts up its head, beacon
to the homeward- bound mariner. Several shells
penetrated the church, destroying portions Of the
interior. One struck the centre Of the chance
wall and burst just within, tearing in pieces the
carved pannels of English oak. with its exquisite
paintings and massive rails The roofs, pewS, ant
floor suffered from the dangerous missiles. 1t
fine organ, the gift of our English ancestors more
than century since, was removed to place o
safety. and has been restored to the church. Blu
its chime of Bells, one of the best in the country
Was not so fortunate They were sent to Colum
b;a and placed under shed in the State House
mi IT. J..I ,o1J;oro cot fro IN the shed