A recent trip to the Lowcountry in South Carolina found Chris and I driving to see some historical places. One place that we just happened to find was St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins.
Located in Frogmore, South Carolina on the way to Fort Fremont we saw the ruins and made time to visit on the return trip.
A little bit of research with my friend Mr. Google led me to find out the meaning for the name – Chapel of Ease.
It was in fact a matter of convenience. Or ease.
The Anglican chapel was constructed 1740 for the parishioners who had difficulty making it into Beaufort to worship at the main parish church.
The sign erected at the ruins states that the church that became a separate church post revolution was then burned by a forest firkin 1886. The ruins were added to the National Registry of Historical Places in 1988.
Part of the attraction of the ruins was the cemetery that still stands to the side of the chapel. Stones and markers with dates from the early 1800’s are visible and while most of the markings are difficult if not impossible to read it is an amazing piece of history.
Walking the grounds made me realize what an incredible thing this was that we were able to visit. The beauty of this place was stunning. 
I especially loved the iron work that surrounded some of the graves.
When I am lucky enough to find a place with history and beauty at the same time it inspires me.
The backdrop of live oaks, spanish moss and sunshine on the day that we visited certainly inspired me and this quickly became one of my favorite stops on our trip.
What inspires you about places like this? Is it the sense of those who went before? Leave me a comment and Comment for A Cause for the Dementia Society of America. Each comment this month means a 50 cent donation to this charity.
