Sitting at the edge of a curvy, narrow,country road that bisects the marshes of St. Helena Island, is a tiny, whitewashed building with “Praise House” lettered in black over the door. St. Helena Island, just east of Beaufort, SC, is one of the many Sea Islands dotting the Lowcountry coastline of South Carolina and Georgia.
For three years we have been researching and photographing some of the church ruins, Methodist Campgrounds, and, of course, the praise houses which are so unique to the area. These tiny houses of worship have piqued my interest. Only three remain on St. Helena. Once there were many and their stories are fascinating.
On a recent summer’s morning, we pay this praise house a second visit for more photographs. It’s always been locked up and a little forlorn looking. As I am peeking through a curtained window, Mrs. Johnson comes from across the street. It seems she and her husband look after the place. We introduce ourselves as she unlocks the door and invites us in.
For the better part of the next hour, Mrs. Johnson tells us her story – she recently moved back to St Helena from New Jersey – and the history of this praise house. This area was once a part of the Mary Jenkins Plantation. Thus, we are standing in the Mary Jenkins Community Praise House. Prior to the Civil War, slaves who were living on plantations were often allowed to build small structures for worship known as praise houses. After Emancipation, former slaves who remained in the area would build more substantial praise houses. This one was built in 1900. Mrs. Johnson tells us that the community is dwindling and services are no longer held on a regular basis. But her eyes brighten and a smile crosses her face as she tells us that the services they do have are lively affairs with much hymn singing and praising, and ending with a shout. A shout was a tradition practiced by African slaves where the worshipers move in a circle as they chant, clap their hands, and shuffle and stomp their feet.
The Johnsons are concerned about preserving the Praise House and the traditions and memories that it represents. As we part with a hug and promise to return, she reminds us to visit the Mary Jenkins Cemetery just down the road. It’s in a wooded area and quite run down. Eerily quiet except for a mockingbird’s song. As we walk among the few marked graves we can’t help but wonder how many others must rest here, forgotten with the passing of time.
Spending time with Mrs. Johnson, and listening to her stories and her concern for the preservation of the Mary Jenkins Community Praise House, was a rare pleasure. The history and traditions of church life in the Lowcountry are fascinating and we are anxious to continue our exploration, mosquitos be damned. I have posted photo essays previously on the ruins of two pre-Revolutionary War churches. You can read them here and here.
amandarenee0224
21 Aug 2016What an amazing story!! I felt like I was there to share in the magic of this rare and historical place. I’d never heard of praise houses before, thank you for sharing!
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016I hadn’t either until I started researching some of the pre-Revolutionary War ruins in the area. Like you, I find it fascinating. Thanks for your comment.
CarolynEliason
21 Aug 2016Thanks for sharing Ron, a great history lesson. I also enjoyed reading and seeing your previous posts.
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016Thank you, Carolyn and thanks for visiting.
Marie
21 Aug 2016Fascinating post. Love the shot through the window. I hope it is a part of history that is not lost to us in the future.
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016I hope not. They seem to be struggling financially, though. The good news is that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Thank you Marie.
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Kenneth D Cox
22 Aug 2016Great story, Ron. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and Photos…
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016Thank you, Ken. I really appreciate your comment. Say hello to the “B” team for us.
kerbey
22 Aug 2016So interesting!
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016Thank you, Kerbey. 🙂
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roxanawalters
23 Aug 2016Wonderful story! Love seeing all the photos!
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016Thanks, Roxana. I pleased you like the post.
Oh, the Places We See
23 Aug 2016Love this post and love the fact that this Praise House is still in operation! Thanks for sharing close-ups as well as the lady in charge!
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016It was great spending time with Mrs. Johnson. She brought the otherwise forlorn looking little building to life for us. Thanks for you kind comment.
C.S. Young Jr.
23 Aug 2016Excellent photo essay!
fotograffer
25 Aug 2016Thank you so much.
Trudie Callan
30 Aug 2016I enjoyed your images and the history of the Praise Houses. Being across the pond this is especially interesting to hear something of your culture.
fotograffer
1 Sep 2016The Praise Houses are unique to a relatively small area of coastal SC, GA. I am pleased you enjoyed the post.