A Spiritual Place SPIRITUALITY WAS OF GREAT importance to the early residents of Hilton Head Island, so it is no surprise that a church was one of the earliest buildings to be constructed. The Queen Chapel, AME Church had its beginnings on May 12, 1865. Rev. Richard Harvey Crain, James H. A. Johnson and James Handy, African Methodist-Episcopal missionaries, were on their way to Charleston aboard the Argo when they were diverted by a storm. They landed on Hilton Head Island in the Cherry Hill area. Waiting for the storm to pass, the men began singing and praying under an old oak. This simple service marked the beginning of African Methodism in South Carolina and the Queen Chapel became the mother church. Originally a praise house for slaves on the Pope Plantation, the property was purchased from W. D. Brown in 1886. “The first church” was built in 1892; services were held in the chapel before it was completed. The pastor was Rev. R. C. Williams, and the elder was Rev. P. W. Jefferson. The present church, located on Beach City Road, was renovated in 1954. Founded shortly after Queen Chapel, the first African Baptist Church is also on Beach City Road; several other island churches formed from this one. The St. James Baptist Church is nearly as old. Organized in 1886, it is near the Mitchelville neighborhood, a community created by a Civil War general to house freed slaves. The Queen Chapel, AME Church SeaPines50thAnniversary.com | SeaPinesHomesAndVillas.com 31 and expensive redesign of the basin, the tree was saved. Today it is called the “Liberty Oak” and is one of the focal points in Harbour Town. It also happens to be the place where Fraser is buried – the one (and only, perhaps) concession the company made to its strict covenants. To this day, that area is still not zoned for cemetery purposes. As the resort evolved and changed ownership over the years, Fraser’s vision continued to live on. And as Sea Pines is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it must be noted that this milestone represents only its modern development. Before the Sea Pines Company ever took root, its heritage and foundation had already been firmly planted. The Indian shell ring located in Sea Pines Forest Preserve dates back to the time when the great pyramids of Egypt were built. Shards of Indian pottery dug there have been judged to be of the same vintage and some of the oldest pottery in North America. The old rice field of the Calibogue Plantation owned by Joseph Lawton dates back to the 1840s. And the Stoney-Baynard Ruins were built in 1793 out of tabby. It was, and is, with great care and careful planning that these historic landmarks have been preserved. Examples of how Fraser’s vision is being carried out today include ongoing environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, integrated pest management, water conservation, water-quality management, and outreach and education. In addition, the company employs both a wildlife biologist and a wildlife officer. Sea Pines also conducts ecotours, which have received the Charles Bundy award from the governor of South Carolina for providing outstanding programs that extend the full benefits of tourism and recreation to rural areas of the state. The goal of these tours is to educate residents and visitors about the flora, fauna and history of the area while experiencing the uniqueness and beauty of Sea Pines. Sea Pines donates a portion of its revenues to the non-profit Sea Pines Museum and Forest Preserve Foundation. Taking a tour is the best way to enjoy and experience the history and beauty of the environment. Eco-tours include tours of the Stoney-Baynard Ruins, beach tours, bike tours, walking, boating and horseback tours of the forest preserve, wildlife education programs and numerous other activities. Special thanks to Rob Bender, recreation and fitness manager for Sea Pines, for providing information. 30 SeaPines50thAnniversary.com | SeaPinesHomesAndVillas.com
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