Beaufort in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Wesley Methodist Church

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 1, 2019

1. Wesley Methodist Church Marker
(side 1 • faces south • church right of marker)

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

(side 1)
This church, established in 1833, was the first Methodist church in Beaufort and was founded as a mission to slaves and free blacks here and on the neighboring Sea Islands. The congregation had both black and white members but many more black members in the antebellum era. This church, first built in the "meeting house" form common to the Methodist church, was dedicated by Bishop William Capers in 1849. (Continued on other side)
(side 2)
(Continued from other side) In 1861, after the Federal occupation of Beaufort and the Sea Islands, this church hosted a school for freedmen and continued to serve its black members. After the Civil War, it was formally affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Northern Methodist church 1844-1939. Its first black minister was appointed in 1873, during Reconstruction. The church has flourished in the years since.
Sponsored by the Old Commons Neighborhood Association, 2014

Erected 2014 by Old Commons Neighborhood Association

Wesley Methodist Church Marker<br>(<i>side 2 • faces north • church left of marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 1, 2019

2. Wesley Methodist Church Marker
(side 2 • faces north • church left of marker)

Click or scan to see
this page online

. (Marker Number 7-49.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.

Location. 32° 26.118′ N, 80° 40.299′ W. Marker is in Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is at the intersection of Prince Street and West Street, on the right when traveling west on Prince Street. Marker is located directly in front of Beaufort's Wesley United Methodist Church, near the southwest corner of the church grounds, facing south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 West Street, Beaufort SC 29902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Baptist Church of Beaufort (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of the Old Baptist Meeting House (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named The Baptist Church of Beaufort (about 500 feet away); St. Peter Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); Berean Church / J. I. Washington Branch Library (about 600 feet away); Beaufort College (about 700 feet away); Grand Army of the Republic Hall (about 800 feet away); First African Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaufort.

Wesley Methodist Church Marker<br>(<i>side 1; wide view; church in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 1, 2019

3. Wesley Methodist Church Marker
(side 1; wide view; church in background)

Wesley Methodist Church<br>(<i>northwest corner view; church cemetery on left</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 1, 2019

4. Wesley Methodist Church
(northwest corner view; church cemetery on left)

Wesley Methodist Church<br>(<i>front entrance; view from West Street</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 1, 2019

5. Wesley Methodist Church
(front entrance; view from West Street)

Wesley Methodist Church<br>(<i>southwest corner view; marker visible near center</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 1, 2019

6. Wesley Methodist Church
(southwest corner view; marker visible near center)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 5, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.