Beaufort Parish celebrates 300th anniversary

BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — The second-oldest Episcopal parish in South Carolina is celebrating its 300th anniversary.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports (http://bit.ly/wqYkmd ) that members at the Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort held a series of events Sunday marking the founding of the parish in 1712. Hundreds turned out, including about a dozen in period dress.

A ceremonial bell was rung that was a gift to the parish in 1746 and that had been buried during the American revolution.

Sunday’s sermon was delivered by the Lord Bishop of London Richard J.C. Chartres, who conducted last year’s royal wedding. The Beaufort church was established under the spiritual guidance of the Bishop of London.

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Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com