St. Luke's Church (Pritchardville, South Carolina)

St. Luke's Church is a historic Episcopal church located in Pritchardville, South Carolina, near Bluffton in Beaufort County. It is a prominent example of Carpenter Gothic architecture in the region. Originally a chapel of ease for St. Helena's Church in Beaufort, it served the plantation owners and residents of the inland areas who found it difficult to travel to Beaufort for services.

The church was constructed in 1855-1856, replacing an earlier structure. It is characterized by its steeply pitched roof, board-and-batten siding, lancet windows, and a prominent bell tower. The interior features simple, yet elegant, woodwork and furnishings typical of the Carpenter Gothic style.

During the Civil War, St. Luke's Church was used as a hospital and later as a school for freed slaves. Following the war, the church played a vital role in the community, serving both white and African American congregations.

St. Luke's Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an active Episcopal parish. Its history reflects the social and religious landscape of the South Carolina Lowcountry from the antebellum period through the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. The surrounding cemetery contains numerous graves of prominent local families, offering a glimpse into the area's history. The church building and grounds are well-maintained, preserving an important piece of local and architectural heritage.