Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Trinity Baptist Church

Photographed by Dave W, May 4, 2023

1. Trinity Baptist Church Marker, Side One

Inscription.
Trinity Baptist organized in 1868, with Rev. Wesley J. Parnell (d. 1873) serving as its first pastor. The church initially met at the home of members Jacob and Sarah Lindsey on Front St. before obtaining a property at the corner of Dargan and Marlboro Sts. The church acquired this site in 1884 and began meeting in a small frame sanctuary. Construction began on the current church around 1893 and finished by 1909.

One of the city's oldest historically black churches, Trinity became an important site for African American religious and civic life in 20th century Florence. Ministers often held city or state level leadership positions. Beginning in the 1940s, the church was a hub of activity related to the civil rights movement, hosting meetings. N.A.A.C.P. events, and national figures like Thurgood Marshall and Fannie Lou Hamer.

Erected 2019 by South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office; sponsored by Trinity Baptist Church. (Marker Number 21-49.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 34°

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12.031′ N, 79° 46.092′ W. Marker is in Florence, South Carolina, in Florence County. It is at the intersection of West Darlington Street and North Irby Street, on the right when traveling east on West Darlington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 W Darlington St, Florence SC 29501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee.

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: Historic Downtown African American Business District (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Original Site of The Wayside Hospital (about 800 feet away); Frank Mandeville Rogers Jr. / Florence Tobacco Warehouse Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Skirmish March 5, 1865 West of Gamble's Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Civil Rights Sit-Ins (approx. ¼ mile away); James Allen (approx. ¼ mile away); Bell, Florence City Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Swept yards (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Trinity Baptist Church Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, May 4, 2023

2. Trinity Baptist Church Marker, Side Two

Trinity Baptist Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, May 4, 2023

3. Trinity Baptist Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 550 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 5, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.