Work began on the church in 1859, when it was named the Prince Frederick Episcopal Church at 9796 Plantersville Road, near Georgetown, South Carolina. During the Civil War, construction on the church was halted due to a lack of funds to complete it.
Thomas Gunn, the church’s architect, received word that work would soon come to an end, so he traveled to the grounds and climbed to the top of the bell tower to put the final touches on it.
Gunn lost his footing as he climbed down from the tower and fell to the hard soil below. It is believed that Gunn shouted curse words as he fell, but somehow, he clung to life for a while, still barking foul language and orders to the workers around him before crossing over into the afterlife.
The church operated for around fifty years before it mysteriously caught fire one night. Everything burned except for the tower where Gunn had fallen to his death.
Some say that if you visit the ruins, you can still see Gunn working on the tower. There are even reports of lights in the bell tower.
Another legend says you can hear a choir singing hymns.
The old ruins are now on private property, so you will need permission to visit.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Source: Eerie South Carolina, Sherman Carmichael
