Beaufort in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
First Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 30, 2013
1. First Presbyterian Church Marker
Early attempts to establish a Presbyterian church in Beaufort, in the 1740s and 1880s, were unsuccessful. The first permanent congregation was founded in 1912 by 16 charter members. In 1921, when it acquired this lot, Rev. A.P. Toomer put up a sign with the Old Testament verse "the people had a mind to work." This Colonial Revival church, built in 1928-29, was designed by architect James H. Sams (1872-1935).
Notable architectural features include simple clapboard siding and clear arched windows. Members completed the interior, with Rev. F.B. Mayes (minister 1925-1949) as chief carpenter and Elder J.W. Logan in charge. The 1947-48 chancel arches were built by the craftsmen who built the U.S. Naval Hospital. In 1988 First Presbyterian gave funds and members to help found Sea Island Presbyterian Church.
Erected 2012 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History; sponsored by The Congregation. (Marker Number 7-36.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 32° 25.999′ N, 80° 40.517′ W. Marker is in Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. It is on Church Street near North Street, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry and on the Sea Islands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Maxcy-Rhett House / "Secession House" (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Helena's Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stephen Elliott Jr (about 300 feet away); St. Helena's Episcopal Church (about 300 feet away); Colonel John Barnwell (about 400 feet away); Richard Heron Anderson (about 400 feet away); The Baptist Church of Beaufort (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Baptist Church of Beaufort (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaufort.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 30, 2013
2. First Presbyterian Church Marker, reverse side
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 30, 2013
3. First Presbyterian Church Marker on Church Street, looking north
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 30, 2013
4. First Presbyterian Church and Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 30, 2013
5. First Presbyterian Church Marker, looking south on Church Street
Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 30, 2013
6. First Presbyterian Church
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 992 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 5, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
