Donors who pledge to include the Trust in their estate planning receive gold "1712" lapel pin.
Donors with a gift of $500+ receive a silver "1712" lapel pin.
Preserving History for Future Generations
The Preservation Trust for Historic St. Helena’s Church was established in 1990 as an endowment fund dedicated to historic church preservation. Its mission is to grow and manage financial assets, with investment income used to fund the restoration and preservation of St. Helena’s Church and its supporting facilities. The Trust operates as a South Carolina nonprofit organization governed by its own bylaws and an all-volunteer Board of Trustees. The Trust has no paid staff or administrative overhead, ensuring that all resources support preservation efforts.
In the early 1990s, the parish recognized that sustainable funding for church restoration was not available to meet the growing preservation needs of St. Helena’s historic structure, originally built in 1724. Without a reliable source of income, maintaining the church’s architectural integrity was becoming increasingly difficult. Once the Trust was established and began receiving contributions, it became clear that a full-scale church restoration project was necessary before ongoing preservation could be sustainably supported.
In the late 1990s, thanks to the generosity of parishioners and friends, a capital campaign raised nearly $5 million. This led to a comprehensive $3.6 million restoration of the church. St. Helena’s was closed for 18 months, during which the historic church building was fully restored, the Parish Hall was renovated, and the current administration building was added. The church triumphantly reopened on Palm Sunday in 2000, restored to its original splendor as a historic house of worship.
The Preservation Trust for St. Helena’s Church is funded through several types of charitable donations:
Bequests: Donors may include the Trust in their wills or living trusts, creating a lasting legacy.
Memorial Gifts: Contributions can be made in memory or in honor of loved ones. Acknowledgment letters are sent to both the donor and the bereaved family.
Celebratory Gifts: Donations can be made to celebrate milestones such as births, weddings, or anniversaries.
Appreciated Securities: Gifts of stock or other appreciated assets may offer tax advantages, including the avoidance of capital gains taxes.
In accordance with its bylaws, the Preservation Trust uses income from its assets to support the long-term restoration and preservation of St. Helena’s Church, and—when those needs are met—of other parish-owned historic properties, such as the Parish Hall and Rectory.
Funds are directed toward structural stabilization, weatherproofing, and the repair and restoration of historical and architectural features including the foundation, roof, steeple, windows, and exterior walls. The Trust does not fund routine maintenance or repairs caused by normal wear and tear, ensuring that gifts are preserved for essential preservation projects.
For over 300 years, St. Helena’s has stood as a beacon of faith, history, and community. Today, you have a special opportunity to help preserve this sacred place for generations to come.
The Preservation Trust invites you to become part of this lasting legacy. To honor and recognize our generous donors, we have adopted the "1712" lapel pin—symbolizing the year St. Helena’s Parish was established by the Colonial Assembly.
• Gold "1712" Lapel Pin: Given to those who pledge to include the Trust in their estate planning.
• Silver "1712" Lapel Pin: Given to donors making a significant gift of $500 or more.
Your gift will help ensure that St. Helena’s continues to serve as a house of worship, history, and hope for centuries to come.
Checks should be made payable to:
Preservation Trust for Historic St. Helena's Church, Inc.
Additionally, several parishioners who are licensed attorneys have graciously offered to prepare codicils to wills or amendments to living trusts—*free of charge*—for anyone wishing to make a bequest to the Preservation Trust. If you would like to take advantage of this complimentary service, simply reach out to one of the Trust's officers, who will gladly assist you.
Your legacy can help protect the heart of our community. Join us in securing St. Helena’s future.
Payable to:
Preservation Trust for Historic St. Helena’s, Inc
Post Office Box 2594
Beaufort, SC 29901
via PayPal
As a way to recognize donors, the Preservation Trust adopted the "1712" lapel pin. St. Helena's Parish was established by act of the Colonial Assembly in the year 1712.
Donors who pledge to include the Trust in their estate planning receive gold "1712" lapel pins.
Those who choose to support the Trust by making significant gifts of $500 or more receive silver "1712" lapel pins.
Checks should be made payable to the Preservation Trust for Historic St. Helena's Church, Inc.
Donors who pledge to include the Trust in their estate planning receive gold "1712" lapel pin.
Donors with a gift of $500+ receive a silver "1712" lapel pin.
1712
Parish Established
1724
Original Construction
1990
Trust Established
Offline Website Builder