Grace Chapel A.M.E. Church
Grace Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church formally organized in 1869 and was initially called Beaufort A.M.E. Church. A.M.E. missionaries began preaching to Beaufort-area freedpeople in 1863 during the Civil War. Rev. Theophilus G. Steward conducted additional local work in 1865. Beaufort A.M.E. acquired this wooden building for worship in 1872. It was built in 1858 and known as Grace Chapel.
The Beaufort A.M.E. congregation eventually adopted the Grace Chapel name as its own. The chapel was originally built by the Parish Church of St. Helena for the used of enslaved and free Black members. Remodeled in 1911, the chapel became an important site for public programs, performances, meetings, and other events. In 2017 Grace Chapel A.M.E. Church moved to a new facility on Lady’s Island.
Where it stands. 500 Charles St., Beaufort, Beaufort