The Presbyterian Church and the Legare Mausoleum
The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, founded in 1685, remains a vital part of the community. The oldest congregation on the island, its current sanctuary was built in 1830. Stately live oaks shade its gothic cemetery where many prominent Edistonians are buried.
The tomb of one, Julia Legare, has become legendary. As the tale goes, after her death and burial in 1852, members of the church heard screams and crying from the direction of the
family's mausoleum, but no one ever investigated the strange noises. Some 15 years later, at the death of the next Legare family member, the mausoleum was reopened. According to the legend, the crumpled skeleton of Julia Legare was found huddled at the door, hands outstretched as if she had tried to crawl out. Edistonians say the door to the mausoleum was closed again and again, but would always fall open. Finally, it was removed for good and cemented to the mausoleum floor. The story continues as one of the most popular pieces of island lore.
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