Near Van Wyck in Lancaster County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Heart of the Community

Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

1. Heart of the Community Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Scotch-Irish Presbyterians called their worship places Meeting Houses to emphasize that the structure is a building and that the church is the body of believers. The community came to the Meeting House not only to worship, but also for recreation, community benevolence, and political discussion. The Jackson family were members of the Waxhaw Meeting House, the oldest in the South Carolina Backcountry. Andrew Jackson's exposure to this unified body of strong-willed individuals forged his character for life.

Erected by South Carolina State Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list.

Location. 34° 50.448′ N, 80° 48.372′ W. Marker is near Van Wyck, South Carolina, in Lancaster County. Marker is on Andrew Jackson State Park Road, half a mile east of U.S. 521. Marker is in Andrew Jackson State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Van Wyck SC 29744, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Andrew Jackson State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Andrew Jackson Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); School Days in the Waxhaws (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to the Andrew Jackson State Park Museum (about 400 feet away); Jackson Comes Home (about 400 feet away); The Boy of the Waxhaws (about 400 feet away); Andrew Jackson State Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Birthplace of Andrew Jackson (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Van Wyck.

More about this marker. There is also a small picture of a tombstone near the center of the marker.
The tombstone shown here marks a grave in the Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Cemetery. Hearts were a common decorative motif in the 18th century Carolina Backcountry.

Meeting House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

2. Meeting House

Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church was founded in 1752, about 20 miles west of Andrew Jackson's home. This image is of the congregation's second sanctuary, built in 1785. The building in front of you reflects these traditions of architecture and community.

Shops of sedition image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

3. Shops of sedition

During the American Revolution, Meeting Houses were called "shops of sedition" because a number of ministers preached against the British Crown. In 1780, William Martin, a Presbyterian minister in the Fishing Creek area, was arrested for "preaching rebellion from the pulpit".

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 5, 2016

4. Heart of the Community Marker

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 5, 2016

5. Heart of the Community Marker

Meeting House replica image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

6. Meeting House replica

Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

7. Meeting House replica

Viola C. Floyd Meeting House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 5, 2016

8. Viola C. Floyd Meeting House

Viola C. Floyd Meeting House<br>Dedication Marker Near Front Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, April 5, 2016

9. Viola C. Floyd Meeting House
Dedication Marker Near Front Entrance

Dedicated to
Viola C. Floyd
1901-1978
Historian - Teacher - Community Leader

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 960 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 28, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. 4, 5. submitted on June 26, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 6, 7. submitted on October 28, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. 8, 9. submitted on June 26, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.