Tour of Homes

102 E. Liberty St.

A pivotal building. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that there were sufficient Angelicans in Yorkville to establish an Episcopal Church. Rev. John D. McCullough was sent as a missionary from Charleston to the Up-Country, and he established churches in Spartanburg, Glen Springs, Union and Yorkville. Beginning in 1849, services were held irregularly in the Courthouse, Methodist Church, and Presbyterian Church. Good Shepherd Church was officially established in 1852, and the sanctuary, of plain Gothic style, was built in 1855, at a cost of about $5,000. Dr. J. M. Lowry (#35) gave a corner of his lot,and Mr. William Latta (#43) donated five hundred Mexican Silver Dollars to be cast into the bell, which is still used. He also donated a melodeon, making Good Shepherd the first church in York to have a musical instrument.

Traditional Episcopal services of this church were a comfort to many Low-country families which refuged in Yorkville during the War Between the States. Elements of the low-country influence are seen in the pew gates, the chancel, and the gallery. Of particular note is the marble altar in memory of Rev. James Stoney [1861-65]. The altar window is said to have been made by Tiffany. Attention is called to the very fine stained glass windows of this building. Immediately to the west of the church is the W. Bedford Moore/Parish House, built in 1857. Legend has it that Benjamin Franklin Withers was working as a carpenter on the house when he was killed in a fall. His fiancée is supposed to have used her diamond ring to cut the date of his death in one of the windows. Apparently it has been broken and replaced in the interim.

South side East Liberty Street - Continued