Halfway to Heaven Along a Country Road

Legend whispers from long ago of the mystery surrounding the ruins of Old Sheldon Church near Yemassee, SC.

photo by Sandy Dimke

Hovering among the scattered remains of time-weathered tombstones, you may glimpse a haunting figure of a young woman in a plain brown pilgrim dress, weeping beside a grave. Some may scoff at this, but reports through the years are consistent. The woman’s name is Ann Bull Heyward, and she resides in a nearby grave. Tales of strange activities, such as heavy footsteps and unexplained flashing lights echo down through the years.

The Revolutionary War once raged amongst these towering oaks burning the church in a massive fire. Did General Sherman also burn this church during the Civil War on his famous “march to the sea? Recent history uncovers the mystery.

Though the church no longer has a roof, windows, or interior walls, it still retains its sense of holiness - for this is sacred ground. Standing in the presence of history, great loss and something that has stood here for generations is a humbling experience.

photo by Andrew Branning