It was described to us as being hauntingly beautiful and a must see destination as we traveled south from Charleston to Savannah. The Old Sheldon Church. As it turned out, I cannot think of two more appropriate words to use other than hauntingly beautiful.
Conceivably Haunted
Now, I’m not one to believe in ghosts and I can’t say that I’ve ever encountered one – at least not that I’m aware of – but if ever a place was conceivably haunted, my guess is it would be the Old Sheldon Church.
Those Who Walked Before
If one is lucky enough to be on the grounds – without nearby traffic passing by – one can just stand in silence and breathe it all in. And, as one soaks it all in the imagination runs as wild as the Spanish Moss swaying from the branches of the stoic oak trees. It’s then you can almost feel the presence of those who walked in the path of history.
The Old Sheldon Church
But while the Old Sheldon Church is in fact hauntingly beautiful and the long-forgotten headstones are leaning with the passing of time, I found the ruins to be peaceful. I sensed no urgency to remember the long past battles or devastating fires. The ruins are just quiet and dignified; standing through the centuries paying homage to the past.
Those Who Rest Eternally
Built in 1745, the church was burned by British troops in 1779. Rebuilt in 1829 and subsequently burned again by the Federal Army in 1869, the Old Sheldon Church has earned its place in history. And those who rest eternally, among the ruins, are seemingly at peace. If only walls could talk…
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On the one had it pains me to see such a beautiful place in ruins, but on the other hand I wonder if I would like it that much if it were brand new or restored to its former glory. It si so much more mysterious this way.
Laura @Travelocafe recently posted…Blue Canoe: The Best Place to Eat in Elvis’ Hometown Tupelo
It’s a conundrum, but I think in this case the ruins are appropriate. Sometimes, you just have to let things (and people) be at rest, they’ve earned it. Thanks for stopping by, Laura!
What an enchanting church. Seems like something one would just chance upon in the middle of an ancient forest.
Gaelyn recently posted…Get outside and engage with nature
That’s exactly what it is – quite mystical.
Very cool. Thank you.
You’re very welcome, Sandy!
I find that I can really feel the history in places like the Sheldon Church. It reminds me of how I felt walking among the ruins of the burned cathedral at the Rock of Cashel in Ireland and the bombed out remains of Coventry Cathedral in England. Of course, in England, there are many ruined abbeys and other ecclesiastical ruins thanks to Henry XVIII deciding that anything still Roman Catholic had to go after he declared himself the head of the Church of England. Your photos are very evocative of the place. Through them, I can feel the atmosphere. I wasn’t able to watch your video yet due to a sleeping spouse next to me.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Zentangle Diva Challenge #255 – Aloha Maui Edition
Me too! I especially like to just stand and listen while scanning the space. The video is technically not mine, I didn’t think to record while we were there (or most anywhere) but it’s a good little 2-minute video that offers some history on the church.
It is sad that such a beautiful building is now in ruins and the lives lost does make you stop and think. The ghosts might have been watching you Patti?
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Pen-Y-Fan The Highest Peak in South Wales
Maybe, Gilda, maybe they were! I think sometimes it’s best to leave places in ruin – while being watched over – it drives home the point that life can be both rewarding and challenging. And, it’s a reminder of those who walked before us.