Pon Pon Chapel

Inscription.
Here on the old stage coach road connecting Charleston to Savannah, the Anglican Pon Pon Chapel of Ease served the Jacksonborough community for many years. The parish of St. Bartholomew's was established in 1706, however its first minister, the Reverend Nathaniel Osborne, did not arrive until 1713. An act of the General Assembly provided for a Chapel of Ease in 1725 and Vestry ordered a brick building to replace the wooden chapel.

During a visit in April 1737, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, preached twice at the chapel. (Picture included) Wesley wrote in his diary about how impressed he was to have had so many from so far to hear his gospel.

Unfortunately, this church was burned during the American Revolution. According to some records, it was rebuilt between 1819 and 1822, (Picture included) and was used until 1832 when it was again destroyed by fire. The site is often referred to today as "The Burnt Church." No effort was made to rebuild the chapel.

Family members continued to use the cemetery. Buried in the cemetery are O'Brien Smith and Aedanus Burke. Smith, the owner of Duharra Plantation, entertained George Washington in 1791 and both Smith and Burke served in the legislature.

( Photograph of Pon Pon Chapel ruins prior to stabilization)
The chapel and four acres were deeded to the Colleton Historical Society in 1970 to celebrate the Tricentennial of South Carolina. With additional interest, the Society received a grant from S.C. Archives and History in 1975 to repair the wall of the chapel which had been severely damaged by hurricane Gracie in 1959. The Society in cooperation with others holds various events on the site throughout the year.

(Map of 1775 showing location of earliest St. Bartholomew's chapel on Chehaw)
 
Erected by South Carolina Heritage Corridor.
 
Marker series. This marker is included in the South Carolina Heritage Corridor marker series.
 
Location. 32° 48.527′ N, 80° 29.397′ W. Marker is in Jacksonboro, South Carolina, in Colleton County. Marker is on Parkers Ferry Road. Touch for map. Located in the woods 0.1 miles northeast of Jacksonboro Road (State Road 15-40). Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonboro SC 29452, United States of America.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ruins of Pon Pon Chapel of Ease (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Issac Hayne (approx. 0.6 miles away); Martyr Of The Revolution / Hayne Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fateful Choices - The Hanging Of Isaac Hayne (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bethel Presbyterian Church (approx. ¾ mile away); The Burial Site of Captain John Herbert Dent (approx. ¾ mile away); a different marker also named Pon Pon Chapel (approx. 0.9 miles away); Battle Of Parker's Ferry (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonboro.
 
Categories. • Churches & Religion • Colonial Era •  
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on July 6, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 900 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.