Filming Location
Foursquare Gospel Church

Amid challenges in his shrimping venture, Forrest Gump seeks divine intervention at the Foursquare Gospel Church, deeply immersing himself in the gospel songs while Lieutenant Dan, a bit more skeptical, watches from the back. This captivating scene is filmed in the United States, particularly in Yemassee, South Carolina. For a detailed perspective on the filming location or to pinpoint its exact spot, delve deeper below or use the map pin icon in your navigation.

“Sometimes Lieutenant Dan came, too. Though I think he left the praying up to me.”

Forrest Gump

Where was the Foursquare Gospel Church scene filmed?

In a blend of spirituality and camaraderie, Forrest Gump, portrayed by Tom Hanks, turns to the Foursquare Gospel Church to pray for their shrimping success. This moving moment of faith and contrast in beliefs was beautifully filmed at the historic McPhersonville Church in Yemassee, South Carolina, United States.

More about McPhersonville Church

Nestled in McPhersonville, roughly 4 miles west of Yemassee, South Carolina, the Stoney Creek Independent Presbyterian Chapel, often referred to as McPhersonville Church, stands as the sole antebellum structure in the area. Established around 1833, it earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The chapel’s rich history is intertwined with rice-planters who built it as a summer refuge and its use by the Union Army during the Civil War. Its Greek Revival design is accentuated by an octagonal steeple added in 1890 and a captivating round stained glass window at its façade. The chapel, immortalized in the 1993 film “Forrest Gump”, is currently safeguarded by the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort.

Scenes filmed at McPhersonville Church

Forrest’s Prayer at the Church
In their quest to find success in the shrimping business, Lieutenant Dan sarcastically suggests to Forrest (Tom Hanks) that maybe he should pray for shrimp. Taking the advice to heart, Forrest faithfully attends the services at the Foursquare Gospel Church every Sunday, immersing himself in the fervor and energy of the all-black gospel choir. While Forrest actively participates in the singing and praying, Lieutenant Dan occasionally accompanies him. However, Lt. Dan remains in the back, drinking from a bottle, leaving the praying to Forrest.

Forrest donates money to the Foursquare Gospel Church
Foursquare Gospel Church is a place of worship sometimes frequented by Forrest and Lieutenant Dan to pray to get more shrimp. As fortune smiles upon Forrest through his thriving shrimping business and good investment from Lieutenant Dan, he decides to channel a substantial portion of his newfound wealth back into the community that nurtured him. With a heart brimming with goodwill, Forrest generously donates to the church, alongside contributions to Bubba’s family and the Bayou La Batre Fishing Hospital.