Orangeburg in Orangeburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Photographed by Dave W, May 17, 2023
1. St. Paul's Episcopal Church Marker, Side One
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was established in 1912. It was founded by Dr. Robert Shaw Wilkinson (1865-1932) and his wife, Marion Birnie Wilkinson (1870-1956), as St. Paul’s Episcopal Mission. Services were held in the Wilkinson’s home for the first decade. Beginning in 1922 the YWCA Hut on the S.C. State campus became home to the congregation. They would remain there until the current sanctuary was consecrated Nov. 4, 1951.
Robert Shaw Wilkinson came to S.C. State in 1896 as professor of mathematics. In 1911 he became the college’s second president, serving until his death in 1932. Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg is named in his honor. Marion Wilkinson was an active community leader and founder of the S.C. Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. St. Paul’s remains the only African American Episcopal Church in Orangeburg.
Erected 2016 by St. Paul's Episcopal Church. (Marker Number 38-42.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 4, 1951.
Location. 33° 29.666′ N, 80° 51.296′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry and in Santee Cooper Country. 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: The Orangeburg Massacre (within shouting distance of this marker); South Carolina State University (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trinity United Methodist Church (about 600 feet away); Christ the King Catholic Church (about 700 feet away); Christ the King Catholic School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Claflin College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Civil Rights Meetings / Sit-in March (approx. 0.2 miles away); Episcopal Church of the Redeemer and Graveyard (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orangeburg.
Photographed by Dave W, May 17, 2023
2. St. Paul''s Episcopal Church Marker, Side Two
Photographed by Dave W, May 17, 2023
3. St. Paul's Episcopal Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 677 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
