the st. stephen's parish was set off from the parish of st. james, santee in 1754. this church was built between 1767 and 1769, replacing an earlier wood frame structure. it is one of south carolina's well-preserved small brick country parish churches, its unique features including the gambrel roof and pilastered exterior, and the interior ceiling. it was built and designed by francis villepontoux and a. howard who provided the bricks. william axson was the master mason. there were no regular services in the church between 1808 and 1932, but the building was not neglected. needed repairs were done twice during the 19th century.