St. Helena's Church grew from an Episcopal parish established by act of the Assembly on June 7, 1712. Its first known rector, William Guy, held early worship services in settlers' homes. The parish suffered greatly during the 1715 Yemassee Indian attack, built the present church in 1724, enlarged it in 1817 and 1842, and received communion silver in 1734 from John Bull, a militia captain. According to local tradition, the church was used by the British to stable horses during the Revolution and as a hospital in the Civil War. In 1823, Dr. Joseph R. Walker became rector and served for 55 years, during which at least 25 parishioners entered the ministry. Those buried in the churchyard include two British officers, three American generals, and seventeen ministers of the gospel, and the 1962 parish house serves the community for various functions.