PORT ROYAL, S.C. () — For hundreds of years, the modest white structure with a steeple has served as a chapel in Port Royal, accommodating various congregations, including that of Reverend Clementa Pinckney’s.
Although his life was cut short in the Charleston massacre, his legacy will live on forever.
Before embarking on his political path in 1996, Reverend Pinckney was the pastor at Porter Chapel for a span of two years. This significant building has a rich history that stretches back through the centuries in the Town of Port Royal.
In 2022, in light of his tragic passing, the town renamed the chapel to honor Pinckney’s local ties to the community.
“He was from Jasper County. He graduated from Ridgeland High School, which is in our neighboring county,” mentioned Darryl Owens, a councilman for the Town of Port Royal. “We thought it was appropriate to honor him since he served here in Beaufort County, right here in Port Royal.”
At the re-opening of the chapel in 2022, Pinckney’s two daughters spoke in honor of their father.
“It’s the people of this community and the mayor and Senator Malloy and all of you being here today. It’s just such a happy thing to see in such a time of darkness and sadness,” said one of his daughters.
His other daughter added on, “I’m just glad that you all came out here to celebrate my father, and not just my father, but the whole African American community because he was a part of the community, and this is the start of a new era.”
Pinckney was first ordained as a teenager and began his teachings not far from where he was born, just miles down the road at Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
Several people have said that he was passionate about his community.
“He was very instrumental in his fight and in his civic duties. He was family oriented, and he was well respected by everyone that knew him,” said Owens.
Owens was fortunate to know and work with Pinckney during his time as a senator. He said Pinckney’s loss is still felt 10 years later.
“It is still bittersweet because I knew him personally, and of course, you know, he left a legacy,” Owens said. “We’re just honored to have had this opportunity to remember and commemorate his memories.”
The Pinckney Porter Chapel originally sat at the intersection of 16th Street and Old Shell Road in Port Royal. It has since been relocated to the Naval Heritage Park as a monument for the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park.
Pinckney’s picture and biography now hang on the wall.
