GALLERY: Gone but not forgotten – Stono Baptist Church and Cemetery – Ravenel, SC (175 Years Old)
By Mark A. Leon
Life happens in a heartbeat. Generations come and go and often times, we preserve the legacy of those that shaped the world we live in. Some foundations lose their value and become relics seen only by passing cars on the highway. Yet history has a way of maintaining the ruins and reminding us of the families, communities and pioneers that struggled to give us the joys we have today. Through their faith, they found meaning and salvation.
The Stono Baptist Church in Ravenel, South Carolina was founded in 1842. Today, the church sits in ruins, but the names of those that graced the halls of this small church remain forever resting. Surrounded by mating bugs, dragonflies, bees, broken glass and corroding wood remain something beautiful, a 175 year old church that continues to stand proud. There may not be services or congregants now, but its memory lives on.
Take a photographic walk with us as we explore the Stono Baptist Church and Cemetery, celebrating 175 years of faith and bond.
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Was this destroyed in Hurricane Hugo? If not, what happened?
Hi this was not destroyed by hurricane Hugo! You can still visit it. I live about two miles from it,it really is an interesting landmark. Another place of interest would be sauldam baptist church. I live 1 mile from there. They also have a graveyard! In the graveyard you can find the person who donated all of the property to that the church is on to the Church. He is buried in between his two wives. It sounds weird when it is said that way but his first wife died and he remarried! His name is George Henry postell. He was my great great grandfather. I’m sure that they would let you view the church if you wanted to!
Lara,
George H Postell was my 5th great grandfather. It was very interesting to see that he was your great great grandfather.
Hi Lara,
I was recently looking for the cemetery, but I wasn’t able to find it. Any chance you could share a better address?
I also forgot to mention that he was a confederate soldier in the civil war
Lara I would love to speak with you (843) 518-0058 — Do you know anything about records of who is buried at Stono? I read a post somewhere about a congregation log. If you dont know do you know who might?? I believe I have family there: Under the names I put a snippit from a family bible that leaves me to believe that this is the place. I went there years ago and was unable to find them.
Phillip J. Hudson
1857–1922
BIRTH ABT 1857 • Colleton, South Carolina, United States
DEATH 23 MAY 1922 • Colleton, South Carolina, United States
2nd great-grandfather
Susan Elizabeth Platt
1871–1942
BIRTH 1871 • Colleton, South Carolina, United States
DEATH JAN 1942 • Colleton, South Carolina, United States
2nd great-grandmother
When you get to the traffic light at Ravenel, turn to the right as you are going from Walterboro. Down the road on the left is a small white church that is up on a little hill. Most of the people are buried on the left as you are facing the church. Our grandparents were buried behind the church.
https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2271676/memorial-search?page=5#sr-39403478
This is what I found. I don’t think the list is full as there are many head stones, and some aren’t mentioned. I have been there personally, and took many pics.
My great grandfather Edward O Martin is buried there. I am going to go there in the next few days to photograph his headstone. I do not know if other family members are buried there but i will check as many headstones as possible.
This is a bit of a long shot and I’m not sure that anyone would want to comment AND I’ll ask anyway. I am searching for my ancestors who would have come to Ravenel from Louisiana with Master Davison. My ancestors are named Martin, that is August Martin who is father to two sons, May and March. Anyone willing to explore into/share their own family history to see where it might connect with mine?
amravenel@outlook.com
This is a bit of a long shot and I’m not sure that anyone would want to comment AND I’ll ask anyway. I am searching for my ancestors who would have come to Ravenel from Louisiana with Master Davison. My ancestors are named Martin, that is August Martin who is father to two sons, May and March. Anyone willing to explore into their own family history to see where it might connect with mine?