HUGER, S.C. – Nestled in the heart of the Francis Marion Forest down a secluded road in the middle of nowhere in Huger lies a more than century-old church that’s seen better days. Founded in the early 1880s, the old Eccles United Methodist Church still stands strong but time hasn’t been kind.
Situated along Eccles Church Road where the pavement ends, the old church sits adjacent to its current sanctuary, which was built in the 1960s. For many of the older parishioners attending services in the new church, the old building is a time capsule of sorts, filled with fond memories of their youth and an era gone by.
“They [the older members] talk of Sunday school lessons on rustic longleaf pine floors and of Mother’s Day gatherings around banquet tables full of scrumptious country cuisine for families and friends,” described church member, Nancy Platt. “They share about candlelit holiday services against the dark forest canopy and of vacation Bible school on serene, summer mornings.”
It’s been more than 50 years since the last church service in the original building, but church members are desperate to salvage it. Their old, wooden gem is currently in need of a new room, timber framing, windows and the repointing of one of the brick foundational corners.
To ensure that the old church continues to stand the test of time, parishioners have launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to renovate it. They’re hoping to raise at least $15,000.
“We dream to create more of these special memories with the next generation and of making Eccles Old a vibrant asset in the community,” Platt posted to the online fundraiser. “We’ve been working with a local preservation contracting company and with the American College of Building Arts to formulate a remediation plan and to determine the funds needed for preservation.”
In addition to their online fundraiser, church members will host a gospel performance featuring several singers and groups on Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The church is located at 1969 Eccles Church Road in Huger. Donations will be accepted during the event.
“Please help us restore and preserve this little woodland gem, and, if you can’t donate at this time, please share our mission with others,” Platt said.
To donate to the church’s GoFundMe page, click here.
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