Three distinguished historians will present a series of lectures on the history of Beaufort from 1712-1865, on January 7, 14 and 21, at the Parish Church of St. Helena.
Beaufort’s acclaimed historian, Dr. Larry Rowland, will discuss Beaufort during the Colonial Era, followed by Dr. John McCardell, who will talk about the significance of St. Helena’s Parish during the Colonial Era for the first Friday evening lecture, January 7th. Dr. Rowland will introduce the Great Beaufort Revival of 1831, presented by Dr. McCardell, on the 14th. Dr. Rowland is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at USCB, and enjoys a reputation as both historian and lecturer. He is a former President of the South Carolina Historical Society. Dr. McCardell was recently appointed Vice-Chancellor and President of Sewanee: The University of the South and is past president of Middlebury College in Vermont. (See accompanying interview here.)
On January 21st, after an introduction by Dr. Rowland, Dr. Stephen Wise will discuss Beaufort during the Civil War. Dr. Wise is Museum Director and Cultural Resource Manager, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island.
Dr. Rowland says this series of lectures will be different from previous lectures and will include new topics. The discussions will be held in the sanctuary of St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, 505 Church Street in downtown Beaufort. St. Helena’s is one of the oldest churches in America.
Flanking the entrance to the church, guests will be greeted by an honor guard in Revolutionary War garb, one high ranking officer and two Continentals, plus one Hessian soldier representing the British with the King’s Colours. The Civil War lecture will feature an honor guard representing both sides of this epic conflict. Additionally, preceding each lecture will be a brief organ concert by Ms. Pat Gould, St. Helena’s Music Director, performing on the Opus 1985 Taylor and Boody organ, designed exclusively for the historic church.
The beautiful Parish Church of St. Helena played an important role in Beaufort’s history and remains one of the oldest operating churches in the country. It was established in 1712 as a colonial parish of the Church of England and its Vestry served as Beaufort’s local government until the American Revolution.
The organ concert will begin at 6:45 and the lectures will be followed by a reception and book signing in St. Helena’s Parish Hall.
Tickets are $15 per lecture or $40 for the series and can be purchased online at www.sthelenas1712.org. For more information call our ticket hotline at 843-524-0363.
Tricentennial Lecture Series: Beaufort–A Look Back • 1712-1865
Friday, January 7, 2011 “Beaufort During the Colonial Era” by Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland “St. Helena’s Parish During the Colonial Era” by Dr. John M. McCardell, Jr.
Friday, January 14, 2011 “The Great Beaufort Revival of 1831” by Dr. John M. McCardell, Jr.
Friday, January 21, 2011 “Beaufort During the Civil War” by Dr. Stephen R. Wise
All lectures will be held at the church. Ticket prices are $15 each or $40 for all three lectures. Proceeds benefit programs planned for the Tricentennial celebration in 2012.
