Scottsville in Sumter County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Salem (Black River) Presbyterian Church
This house of worship, commonly called Brick Church, was founded by Scotch-Irish settlers in 1759 on land given by Capt. David Anderson. Original log meeting-house was replaced by frame building and named Salem Presbyterian Church (1768). The first brick church was built in 1802 and used until 1846 when the present church was built of brick made on the grounds.
(Reverse text)
Old session house (1846) in the rear contains large library given by James McBride in 1862. Land for cemetery, dating from 1794, was deeded by Robert Witherspoon in 1830. Among the notable ministers to serve this church was Dr. Thomas Reese, scholar, teacher, and preacher before the Revolution. In 1867 Negro members withdrew to form Goodwill Presbyterian Church.
Erected 1950 by The Sumter County Historical Commission. (Marker Number 43-4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1759.
Location. 33° 55.958′ N, 80° 9.629′ W. Marker is in Scottsville, South Carolina, in Sumter County. Marker is on North Brick Church Road (State Highway 527), on the right when traveling south. Located North of Neighborhood Road (State Road 43-800). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mayesville SC 29104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Goodwill Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (approx. 1½ miles away); " Ebenezer " (approx. 1½ miles away); Goodwill School (approx. 1.6 miles away); Concord Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.9 miles away); Birthplace of Mary McLeod Bethune (approx. 4.4 miles away); The Mayesville Story (approx. 4.6 miles away); Beulah School (approx. 5½ miles away); St. Paul African American Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scottsville.
Regarding Salem (Black River) Presbyterian Church. (Brick Church) Salem Black River Presbyterian Church, built in 1846, is a well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture. From the time of its organization in the mid-eighteenth century until the present, Salem Church has played an important role in the development of history of the surrounding rural community. The church has been virtually unaltered since its construction. It features massive stucco-over-brick columns, a gable roof and a pedimented portico. Basilican in plan, the interior of Salem Black River Church is simple. A slave gallery extends along three sides and is supported by square paneled wooden pillars. Listed in the National Register November 14, 1978. (South Carolina Department of Archives and History)
Additional commentary.
1. National Register of Historic Places:
Salem Black River Presbyterian Church ** (added 1978 - Building - #78003091)
Also known as Brick Church
Historic Significance:Event,Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
Architectural Style: Greek Revival
Area of Significance: Religion, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1825-1849
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Religion
Historic Sub-function: Religious Structure
Current Function: Religion
Current Sub-function: Religious Structure
— Submitted January 13, 2011.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,769 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 25, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8, 9, 10. submitted on November 11, 2017, by David Taylor of Darlington, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.