Abbeville, S.C.- Trinity Episcopal Church in Abbeville is an architectural wonder nestled in Upstate South Carolina. The church is an example of Gothic Revival architecture that remains essentially unchanged from its original construction, featuring handmade interior woodwork. Thomas Parker, Thomas Jackson, and Thomas Walter organized the church in 1842. Bishop Thomas F. Davis consecrated the building in 1860, built after plans by George E. Walker, architect, of Columbia, and by Blease and Baxter, contractors, of Newberry. The organ, made by John Baker of Charleston, was installed soon after the church was built and is one of two such known organs in South Carolina.
Steeped in history, it’s no surprise that many of Abbeville’s historic buildings have many tales of paranormal activity. The ghost of a 19th-century woman appears on the front pew of Trinity Episcopal. Elizabeth, who some say has been seen here for more than a century, and closed doors won’t keep her away.
Elizabeth and her family had a happy life and lived in Abbeville during the Civil War. Her husband, Drew, enlisted as a Confederate soldier. Elizabeth and her 10-year-old son would come every day to pray. One day, word was sent that Drew had lost his life in battle. Elizabeth became distraught, but she continued to go to the church daily with her young son. More tragedy struck the family when a group accused Elizabeth of being a union informant. Her son was killed by a cane, but Elizabeth returned to the church daily to pray. She can often be found sobbing on the front pew and vanishes in thin air.
The church is ironically around the corner from the Burt-Stark Mansion. “In the Burt-Stark Mansion, the War between the States finally came to an end. Here, on May 2, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, in retreat but still fighting, held the last council of the war of the Confederacy.” Jefferson Davis said, “All is indeed lost.”
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Image Credit: John G. Clark Jr.
