Press Release
The Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society (CCHAPS) is thrilled to announce Phase II for preservation of Pon Pon Chapel of ease will begin this fall. During a public announcement made Monday evening July 17, 2023 at the Bedon Lucas House, Senator Margie Bright Matthews told those in attendance of the $ 1,250,000 funding the society would be receiving from the 2023 South Carolina State Budget. The funds were requested by CCHAPS and were approved for the Stabilization and Preservation of the Historic Property.
CCHAPS, a non- profit organization, developed a 10 year plan for the property and had been able to accomplish the first phase prior to the fall of the front facade on July 4, 2020. After the fall, a few volunteers worked to pick up the fallen pieces and move them to a secure location. It was during this time, they realized the original pieces still remained and what had fallen were bricks from a preservation effort that took place in the 1970’s. Members of the organization have spread the word of Pon Pon and the preservation efforts though multiple media sources, many different public interest groups and even had a documentary made that has won multiple awards.
Dr. Sarah Miller serves as the current President for CCHAPS. According to Miller, she is excited Phase II will begin sooner than expected. CCHAPS has hired Bennett Preservation out of Charleston, SC to oversee the entire project and knows they will do a fantastic job as they some of the best in the industry when it comes to historic preservation. They are hopeful the construction will be completed by 2026 when the United States plans to celebrate the Sestercentennial. Pon Pon Chapel of Ease was a vital piece of historic Jacksonborough, now known as Jacksonboro, and is located in the Historic Jacksonborough District. Along with the preservation of Pon Pon Chapel, CCHAPS is also working on research to be able to tell more of a complete story of the property.
If you are interested in becoming a member of CCHAPS or would like to help with research for the upcoming Sestercentennial, please visit www.cchaps.com.
