A few members of Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church made stops in Horry County on Sunday to spread their message that God hates America.
"This land is headed straight to hell," sang Shirley Phelps-Roper, a member of the Anti-American church who brought her children.
Phelps-Roper and the children she brought along held signs with messages that read "God Hates Fags" and "You're Going to Hell" and "America is Doomed."
They picketed outside of several churches in North Myrtle Beach, but they didn't stay long at any of them. There was plenty of police presence to make sure things stayed civil.
Their presence was small, just seven or eight of them, but their message was enough to bring people out to counter protest.
"If you hate everything so bad, then go home," said Carlotta Motsinger who said the group wasted money coming to Horry County.
"I hope they have a round trip ticket," she said.
Others said they saw media reports of the group planning to come and felt compelled to show up for the peaceful, counter protests.
"Somebody has to stand up to them and show that there are still Americans here who like to fight for this country and keep this country free," said Thomas D'Arminio who moved to the area about a year ago.
The members of Westboro were gone by mid-afternoon, but they plan to be back on Friday, but this time, they'll protest at schools.
Here is the itinerary:
On May 21, from 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. they plan to protest at or near Conway High School in Conway.
On May 21, from 7:50 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. they plan to protest at or near Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach.
On May 21, from 7:50 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. they plan to protest at or near Carolina Forest High School in Horry County.
On May 21, from 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. they plan to protest at or near Myrtle Beach High School in Myrtle Beach.
On May 21, from 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. they plan to protest at or near North Myrtle Beach High School in North Myrtle Beach.
On May 21, from 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. they plan to protest at or near St James High School in Murrells Inlet.
