By HEATHER WALTERS
A group of Eagle Scouts is working to beautify Colleton County’s historic Pon Pon Chapel of Ease, a place of worship that was prominent during the nation’s early years in 1725.
The chapel is located on Parker’s Ferry Road near Jacksonboro, an area known as St. Bartholomew’s parish during the Colonial Period of the America’s settling.
Today, only the front brick façade is left standing, along with the foundation and parts of the original church cemetery. The church itself was a place of destination for people who wanted to worship. The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, also preached twice at the church in 1737.
Now, the church and its grounds are being protected and restored by local historians and preservation activists.
As a part of this plan, Ben Cox and his Eagle Scouts spent the day on Sunday, Feb. 21 installing picnic tables on the chapel’s grounds.
“Ben and his family have a deep interest in history and when he heard about the fall of the top of the front façade, he reached out to the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society (CCHAPS),” said Sarah Miller, with the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society. “CCHAPS was pleased with the interest, and Ben and I discussed several options that would benefit the society and the chapel,” she said.
Miller and Cox chose picnic tables as the Eagle Scout project because CCHAPS’ current 10-year plan for Pon Pon already calls for the addition of picnic tables. Miller said the picnic tables tie into the ultimate goal of making Pon Pon a historic and cultural destination.
Cox is a member of Boy Scout Troop 44, chartered by St. James Anglican Church on James Island. Together with Scoutmaster Paul Pennington and Miller, Ben proposed a plan that was well received by the Society.
He then organized the construction and varnishing of the tables in early February.
“Rain required two days under a tent to ready the tables,” said Miller.
On the first day of installation, Cox supervised eight scouts. On the second day, he supervised five scouts. In total, 64 man-hours of work were put into the new tables at the site.
Miller praised the work of Ben, the scouts, and the parents who supported the project.
“We are so thrilled with their interest in history and dedication to service,” she said.
According to Miller, she hopes that the work of the Eagle Scouts and Cox will “inspire others to get involved in preserving history.”
For more information about the continuing work at Pon Pon, visit www.cchaps.com or follow Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society on Facebook.
