During the War Between the States, the Church was used as a hospital, ministering to the injured soldiers. Among those were 33 young volunteers from Effingham County who died and were buried in the Church yard. A contingent of Sherman’s Army used the Church as a camp during his occupancy of Savannah, and the original bell was melted to make cannon balls.

For 90 years, the Church was a “Circuit” and was served by a part-time pastor, who served various churches. During this time, horses and buggies were tethered in the church yard while services were held. With the development of the Island in 1950, a full-time pastor was appointed. The Sanctuary was moved to its present location beside the road in 1957. The present wall lamps were installed at that time and the building was painted.

In 1983, a major expansion of the Sanctuary was initiated. The planned expansion provided a vestibule, a new front porch, a hallway in the rear, a 24’ extension of the rear Sanctuary wall to allow for the addition of 9 pews, and a new copper roof. During the construction, all furnishings, including the original pews, chancel rail, lamps, and furniture were removed and stored. The expansion was nearly complete when, on February 22, 1984, the structure burned due to an electrical fire, despite the heroic efforts of the Isle of Hope and Southside Fire Departments. Plans for rebuilding began immediately, and contributions poured in from all over the state. The present structure was dedicated, free from debt, by Bishop L. Fitzgerald on February 10, 1985.