Stoney Creek Church

Where Forrest prayed for shrimp in Forrest Gump! Constructed ca. 1833, Stoney Creek Independent Presbyterian Chapel is the only pre-Civil War structure remaining in the village of McPhersonville. This village was built on high ground away from the rice fields in the midst of a tall pine forest. Built by the planters of Prince William Parish who resided in the village during the summer months, the one-story frame building is in the Greek Revival style with later Victorian features. Since it was created as a summer chapel, Stoney Creek is plain and austere, as one would expect for a Presbyterian congregation. It boasts an imposing façade with four Doric columns supporting a pedimented roof, sash windows with semi-elliptical transoms, and a round stained glass window. An octagonal steeple was added in 1890. The lantern of the steeple features arched 6-light windows on four sides. A small wooden finial rests atop the conical roof. The interior is very simple with plain plaster walls, original wooden pews, and wide pine floors. The site was used as a hospital and the grounds for a campsite by Federal troops. Regular worship at the chapel dwindled due to the economy and lack of growth in the community. As a result the congregation was dissolved in 1967. The chapel is maintained by the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort. Listed in the National Register May 22, 2002.