Flickr user Ken Lund

Update January 23: With some period and historical fanfare, the day went much as expected.

The Island Packet has a nice report (read that here) and WTOC 11 has a short video report (watch that here).

Also, Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling proclaimed the day as "Parish Church of St. Helena Day".

And don't forget that there will be many more tricentennial events throughout the year, a list is pasted at the bottom of this article.

First reporting: While the 300-year celebration of Beaufort is winding down on New Year's Eve, one other local group will just be starting theirs.

The Parish Church of St. Helena — the oldest public building in Beaufort and one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the country — will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2012 year with a special ceremony.

On Sunday, January 22, from 9:15 to 10 a.m. the church will hold opening celebration ceremonies and at noon, the Lord Bishop from London will offer presentations and proclamations to the Reverend Jeff Miller, rector.

The Bishop Chartres recently officiated at the royal wedding earlier this year.

Beginning of the 1726 church bell will begin at 9:15 a.m. as a call to worship as they did in the 18th century. Flag bearers with various historic flags and in period costumes will line the front walkway of the church as a town crier will "cry" a greeting from Queen Elizabeth and the Archbishop of Canterbury. A special worship service will follow with sermon by Bishop Chartres, and original Tricentennial music composed by renowned English composer Malcolm Archer and performed by the St. Helena's choir, accompanied by special orchestral musicians.

The Parish Church of St. Helena is at 505 Church Street in downtown Beaufort. 

We'll keep you posted as more details come and you can learn more on their tricentennial webpage.

Events

January 2012
31         Citadel Cadet Chorale at 7 p.m.

February 2012

March 2012
10         Charleston Symphony Orchestra Concert at 7 p.m.
30         Organ Concert featuring Rhonda Sider Edgington/Germany at 7 p.m.
TBA      History performance given by youth

April 2012
13         Organ Concert featuring Wayne Foster/Los Angeles at 7 p.m.
15         Winthrop University Chorus at 10:15 a.m. service and a performance at 2 p.m.
20         Organ Concert featuring Bruce Neswick/Indiana University at 7 p.m.
26-27    Evangelist Dr. Tony Evans with co-sponsor Community Bible Church 
27         Regional pastors luncheon with Dr. Evans at St. Helena’s

May 2012
4           Organ Concert featuring Jonathan Dimmock/San Francisco at 7 p.m.
19         Choir Festival featuring Brian Jones (formerly of Trinity Church, Boston) at 7 p.m.
20         Annual Parish Picnic and “Invite a Friend to Church” Sunday

June 2012
10-31    China Mission Trip

September 2012
TBA      New History of St. Helena’s book released (date tentative)
28-30    Special program at Annual Parish Retreat at Kanuga

October 2012
5           Organ Concert at Noon featuring Adrienne Olson
19-20    Women’s Retreat with Eleanor Lewis
26         Organ Concert at Noon featuring Ann Marcure with Mary Economy

November 2012
2           Organ Concert at Noon featuring Andrew Hayler
11         Military Appreciation with Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club (date tentative)
16         Organ Concert at Noon featuring David Eaton

December 2012
TBA      Commemorative tree planting in Old Churchyard Cemetery
31         Tricentennial Closing Event