Conway in Horry County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Kingston Church

American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 6, 2007

1. Kingston Church Marker

Inscription. A Presbyterian congregation existed here in the village of Kingston by 1756. Its meetinghouse was on this site but by 1795 the congregation had apparently disbanded. In 1855 a proposal to reestablish a Presbyterian church in the town was favorably received, and in 1857 an “Association” for that purpose was formed. In 1858 the present house of worship was erected and Kingston Church was officially organized.

Erected 1986 by the congregation. (Marker Number 26-7 / 198.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1756.

Location. 33° 50.151′ N, 79° 2.69′ W. Marker is in Conway, South Carolina, in Horry County. Marker is at the intersection of Kingston Street and 3rd Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Kingston Street. It is at the foot of 3rd Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Conway SC 29526, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Horry County Courthouse (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodward Building (about 500 feet away); The Historic Brick for this Park (about 600 feet away);

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Welcome to Kingston Park! (about 600 feet away); Spivey Building (about 800 feet away); The Wade Hampton Oak (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Horry County Vietnam Fallen Comrades Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Conway.

Regarding Kingston Church. The church grounds and cemetery are on the banks of the Waccamaw River. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains several examples of Victorian gravestone art.

Kingston Presbyterian Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This church is also one of 445 American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Sites registered between 1973 and 2003 by the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), headquartered in Philadelphia. Approved sites received a metal plaque featuring John Calvin’s seal and the site’s registry number (PHS marker location unknown).

The following text is taken from the Presbyterian Historical Society website:

This church sits on a high bluff over Kingston Lake in northeastern South Carolina.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 6, 2007

2. Kingston Church and Marker
In 1734, Elisha Screven designated a lot near the present site for the location of a Presbyterian meeting house. The colonial congregation became inactive and its building disappeared many years before Harmony Presbytery organized the present Kingston Church in 1858. That year, the congregation erected this sanctuary in the village burial ground. In 1931, the church remodeled the sanctuary interior and added a three-story building at the rear. The present steeple was renovated in 1962. The Williamsburgstyle educational building was constructed in 1956 and a matching building was added in 1978. Kingston has helped to organize six other congregations.

The Marker at the Church Offices image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 6, 2007

3. The Marker at the Church Offices

The photographer is standing on the sidewalk in front of the church. The Waccamaw River runs behind the offices, down a steep bank.

The Kingston Church Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 6, 2007

4. The Kingston Church Cemetery

The cemetery is between the church to the left and the river to the right.

In Loving Remembrance of Margaret D. Graham image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 6, 2007

5. In Loving Remembrance of Margaret D. Graham

Born Oct. 11, 1825, Died Jan. 24, 1891, Aged 65 yrs. 3 mos., and 13 days. ——— Dearest Mother thou hast left us, / And thy loss we deeply feel, / But ’tis God that has bereft us, / He can all our sorrow heal. / Yet again we hope to meet thee, / When the day of life is fled, / Then in heaven with joy to greet the, / Where no farewell tear is shed.

Miss Mary Eaddy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 6, 2007

6. Miss Mary Eaddy

This is one of the closest gravestones to the Waccamaw River, which can be seen through the trees. The tree-shaded cemetery and church grounds are at the edge of the business district on a tall bluff overlooking the river. This gravestone reads In Memory of Miss Mary Eaddy, born April 3rd, 1818 in Williamsburg District, S.C., died August 27th, 1859 at this place. For the last 24 Years of her life she was an example of Piety she praised Jesus while Dying. “And bye Mary, thou hast found favour with God.”

A Child’s Grave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 6, 2007

7. A Child’s Grave

There are a number of children’s graves topped with sculptures of a child or children sleeping in aglass case. The marble top of this case reads The eldest and youngest of Thomas W. & Mary B. Beatty.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 16, 2009

8. Kingston Church Marker

Photographed By Dave W, May 30, 2023

9. Kingston Church Marker

American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site No. 198 Marker.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 16, 2009

10. Kingston Church Marker

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 16, 2009

11. Kingston Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,777 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on August 16, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 22, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 8. submitted on October 21, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 9. submitted on June 23, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 10, 11. submitted on October 21, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.