St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins

St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins are the remains of an 18th-century worship building constructed from a blend of oyster shells and lime called tabby. The surviving walls display the original construction technique and layout of this historic site.

The structure was built in 1740 when planters wanted a worship location closer to their homes. A forest fire caused severe damage in 1886, leading to its eventual abandonment.

The ruins served as a gathering place for freed people during the Civil War, when Northern teachers arrived to establish schools for formerly enslaved individuals.

The site is located on Saint Helena Island and can be reached by local roads. The ruins are outdoors and open for visitors to walk through at any time, allowing exploration in different light and weather conditions.

The Fripp family, prominent in the region, built a mausoleum next to the ruins with an entrance door left partially sealed. This unusual construction choice has sparked curiosity about what occurred during its restoration.

Location: Beaufort County

GPS coordinates: 32.37559,-80.57666

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00