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The Thomas Hepworth House, one of six houses on The Point historic walking tour, is sometimes called the Hepworth-Pringle House or "the oldest house in Beaufort." It was built in 1717 for the man who became Chief Justice of South Carolina from 1724-1727. The house was a kind of a mini-stockade against Indian invasion, with gun slits cut through the above-ground phosphate basement walls to protect against an Indian attack. Hepworth built the house to meet a residency requirement so he could run for the assembly.

As it continues to celebrate its Tricentennial year, the Parish Church of St. Helena has announced its 56th Annual Spring Tour of Homes will be Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5.

This year's tour of homes includes six historic homes in the Point section of Beaufort, as well as six plantations around the Beaufort area and a historic church. In addition to being able to visit the interiors of these the homes and plantations and learn about their histories, attendees also will be able to hear Docents talking about the gardens.

The Friday walking tour begins at 3 p.m. and will last until 6. A reception will be held during that time at one of the homes on the tour, and will include food and entertainment. At 7:00 PM attendees are invited to attend a free organ concert at the Parish Church of St. Helena. This tour is $40.

The Saturday plantation driving tour begins at 9 a.m. and will last until 4 p.m. A Low Country luncheon will be provided at one of the plantations. This tour is $60.

Tickets are available online by visiting the Church's website at www.sthelenas1712.org or they may be purchased by writing to: Parish Tours, P.O. Box 1043, Beaufort, SC 29901, or by calling (843) 524-0363.