Church History

The Church of the Holy Apostles of barnwell, sc

Estd 1848

Formed in 1848, the Church of the Holy Apostles was established in the convening of a small group, including Charleston rector, the Reverend Thomas John Young, in a decision that Barnwell should organize an Episcopal church and join the Diocese of South Carolina. The newly formed church was supported by St. Michael's in Charleston. Its members contributed funds for the church's establishment, provided its first pulpit and altar, and assisted the young church with an interim rector.

Constructed by 1857

By 1856 the congregation was flourishing and ready to build. Its first permanent rector, the Reverend Edwin A. Wagner, sold the property adjacent to his home to the church for five dollars. Construction then began and the new church was completed in 1857. Its English-Gothic design was influenced by Wagner, an Englishman.

Enduring Trials

In 1865, much of South Carolina from Aiken to Charleston received heavy structural casualties by fires set during the Civil War. Barnwell was no exception. By some accounts, during General Sherman's occupation of Barnwell, the Church of the Holy Apostles was used as a horse stable and thus spared. The church's 14th century baptismal font, a storied relic donated by the Reverend Wagner, was said to have been used as a water trough. In all, the church and many of its artistic treasures survived. Its prominent east window, a gift from Governor James Hammond, was fortuitously buried by church members and the silver, used during Holy Communion, was hidden in a well.

"to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,"

The one thing I ask of the LORD—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

delighting in the LORD’s perfections

and meditating in His Temple.

For He will conceal me there when troubles come;

He will hide me in His sanctuary.

He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

Then I will hold my head high

above my enemies who surround me.

At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

singing and praising the LORD with music.

Psalm 27:4-6 (NLT)

"I love your sanctuary, O LORD, the place where your glorious presence dwells" | Psalm 26:8

The Church of the Holy Apostles of barnwell, sc

Estd 1848

Constructed by 1857

Enduring Trials

"to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,"

Historic Places of worship

An Enduring Body of Faith

Join Us Today!

"I love your sanctuary, O LORD, the place where your glorious presence dwells" | Psalm 26:8

The Church of the Holy Apostles of barnwell, sc

Estd 1848

Constructed by 1857

Enduring Trials

"to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,"

Historic Places of worship

An Enduring Body of Faith

Join Us Today!

This website uses cookies.