Early settlement in this area near the Black River, based primarily on the Indian trade and the production of naval stores, prompted the creation of Prince George Winyah Parish in 1721. When the first Anglican church to serve the parish was built in 1726, Governor Francis Nicholson made a donation toward its construction. The Rev. Thomas Morritt became the first rector of Prince George Winyah in 1728. Within a few years, the success of rice production and growth of Georgetown helped expand settlement inland and prompted the creation of Prince Frederick’s Parish, which included this area when it was established in 1734. A new parish church for Prince George Winyah was built in Georgetown by 1747, and the sanctuary here served Prince Frederick’s Parish until a new parish church was built near the Pee Dee River in 1837.