Old Hanging Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetery


Cemetery Area Photos


The Hanging Rock Presbyterian Church, organized in 1788, was probably the oldest church in the Heath Springs area. In 1790, James Love deeded two acres of land on which to build a church building. The location was marked on the 1825 Mills map of Lancaster District. (Location info). In 1806, the church joined the Associate Reformed Church. In later years, it returned to its Presbyterian denomination. The cemetery is set on a hill and is the only thing left today marking the church's probable location. There are few grave markers left. One of the prominent stones is that of James Ingram, 1766-1821. Tradition says he is the James Ingram whose house George Washington stayed the night of May 26th, 1791. Other stones bear the names of Ussery, Ingram, Bowers, Robertson, and Baker. Rev. George W. Howe, in his History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, states that the church was extinct by 1812. The Hanging Rock Presbyterian Church merged with Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church to establish what is now called the Bethel Church. The church building was used during the early 1900s as a school house for colored children. There is no trace of it now.
Sources: Lancaster Tours by Viola C. Floyd; Heath Springs South Carolina 1752-1970 by Andrea Steen.


Headstones/Inscriptions:

In memory of/Rebecca Bowers/Wife of/Edward Bowers/born in Lancaster District/(Oct. 19th)* 1793, died Sep 30th 1854/member of the Methodist/Church for 30 years died in/The 61st year of her life/(verse)
*Not sure it says Oct. 19th.

A. I. B.

Sacred/To the memory of/James Ingram/who was born in the/Year of our Lord 1766/And departed this life/on the 30 of July 1821
Footstone

Sacred/To the memory/of/Mary Ingram/who was born in the Year/of our Lord 1788/and departed this life/on the 2nd of November/1823

Willie/Son of/Wm. & Sarah/Robertson/Born/Jan. 27. 1857/Died/April 5., 1857

A. I. X.

Stone. (No Name).

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