Our history
The Parish of Prince George Winyah was established in 1721 from St. James Santee Parish and named after George, Prince of Wales, later King George II of England.
The first church was situated on the Black River, about twelve miles north of present-day Georgetown. In 1732, an international port was opened in Georgetown for shipping indigo and other products.
In 1734, the parish was divided, and the original church fell under the new Prince Frederick’s Parish.
Commissioners were appointed to construct a new church for Prince George Winyah Parish, with materials ordered from England. The first service was held on August 16, 1747, and the church was completed in 1755 and incorporated in 1788.
It was desecrated during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Subsequent additions included a chancel in 1803, a gallery in 1819, and a steeple and narthex in 1824.
The church featured traditional box pews, with owners using charcoal burners for warmth during cold weather. The stained glass windows were originally made for St. Mary’s Chapel for Slaves on Hagley Plantation in 1857, and memorial windows were added in the early 20th century.
Four old hand-blown glass windows still remain. Prince George Winyah celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2021. Since its founding, this Church has never closed its doors to its congregations for their faithful worship of the Almighty God.