Beaufort Religion and Spirituality

Beaufort Churches Offer an Abundance of Religious Institutions

Beaufort SC has a wealth of choices of religious preferences. Beaufort is home to Baptist, Catholic, Christian, AME, Lutheran, Episcopal, Church of Christ, First African Baptist, Church of God, Mormon, Assembly of God, Presbyterian, Methodist, Jewish Apostolic and other practicing faiths.

Like many southern communities affected by the Civil War, the history of Beaufort’s churches tells tales of destruction, slavery and reconstruction. One such event was when St. Helena's Episcopal Church fell victim to Union forces that gutted the structure and converted it to a hospital. Located in Beaufort’s Historic District, the church was built in 1724 and today is a famous Beaufort landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original church still stands and is unique because the ballasts of ships were used as the primary building material. The church has undergone several repairs and expansions and continues to host worship services today.

The circa 1865 First African Baptist Church was the first church in South Carolina to be entirely constructed and funded by freed slaves. It received the 2007 South Carolina Historic Preservation Award and is an active church today. The First African Baptist Church is located on New Street in downtown Beaufort.

The Gullah community of Beaufort has their own distinct Gullah religious and cultural customs that represent their heritage as descendents of enslaved and free Africans. Having the desire to worship in their own language, which is a blend of English and Creole, scholars of the Gullah community spent the last 26 years in collaboration with Wycliffe Bible Translators to translate the New Testament to the language of their people. The result is De Nyew Testament, a landmark accomplishment for those worshipping in the Christian faith.

Beaufort’s Community Bible Church has a thriving congregation and supports the local Christian radio station WAGP FM. The Beaufort church also has a church in Savannah. St. Peter’s Catholic Church is a cornerstone of the community, with a full schedule of events each month. Local scout troops meet at the church, which also offers teen and adult activities and has a K-4 elementary Catholic school on campus.

Whether you prefer a small congregation or large, Beaufort churches are predominately located throughout the city and convenient to all faiths. //