Winnsboro in Fairfield County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Bethel Church
Photographed by Michael Sean Nix, December 9, 2008
1. Bethel Church Marker
This Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was incorporated in 1823. Early pastors were the Rev. James Lyle and the Rev. Thomas Ketchin, installed 1825 and 1844 respectively. The old cemetery, located at corner of Fairfield and Vanderhorst streets, is the traditional site of the first church building; the second, located across Fairfield Street, was dedicated in 1873. The Women's Benevolent Society was organized 1871 and the Junior Christian Union in 1883. The congregation, under the Rev. Charles E. McDonald's leadership, moved to this site upon completing the present 1903 building. The Boag Memorial Educational Building, dedicated in 1937, was a gift of Mr. & Mrs. James O. Boag. Buried in the cemetery are the Rev. Neill E. Pressly D.D., and Rachel Elliot Pressly, first ARP missionaries to Mexico 1878-1917; and the Rev. Oliver Johnson, D.D., pastor of this church 1908-1945
Erected 1993 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by The Congregation. (Marker Number 20-19.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1823.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands and in the Olde English District. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James Henry Carlisle (within shouting distance of this marker); Town Clock (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fairfield County / Winnsboro (about 600 feet away); Fairfield County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); William Porcher Dubose (about 700 feet away); British Headquarters (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Dead of Fairfield County (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winnsboro.
Photographed by Michael Sean Nix, December 9, 2008
2. Bethel Church Marker
Reverse Side
Photographed by Michael Sean Nix, December 9, 2008
3. Bethel Church
Photographed by Michael Sean Nix, December 9, 2008
4. Bethel Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2008, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,259 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 9, 2008, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
