Camden in Kershaw County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Bethesda Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 7, 2024

1. Bethesda Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. A Presbyterian meeting house existed in Camden as early as 1774. This present church was erected in the year 1822, the architect being Robert Mills, Esq. In 1937 this building was renovated and the pulpit, pews and lamps were restored. This was achieved through the sacrifices of the congregation, the gifts of friends and the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Belcher. To these, and also to Miss Olive W. Whittredge and Mr. Edmund C. Stout, for their painstaking superintendence of the work, and to Rev A. Douglas McArn, minister, for his untiring zeal, the congregation owes a debt of lasting gratitude.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location. 34° 14.829′ N, 80° 36.308′ W. Marker is in Camden, South Carolina, in Kershaw County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Dekalb Street (U.S. 1) and Little Street, on the left when traveling east. The marker is on the rear side of the church sanctuary behind a set of crossing staircases at the center post of the portico. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 502 E Dekalb St, Camden SC 29020, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 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 De Kalb Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Lafayette's Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor and Remembrance (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); E.H. Dibble Store / Eugene H. Dibble (about 700 feet away); Lafayette Hall and Lafayette Cedar (about 700 feet away); Baruch Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bishop Davis House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hampton Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 7, 2024

2. Bethesda Presbyterian Church Marker

Sanctuary entrance is on the rear side away from the street. Marker is behind the crossing staircases behind the center post.

Camden.

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 7, 2024

3. Bethesda Presbyterian Church Marker

Behind the staircases

Front side of Bethesda Presbyterian Church from East DeKalb Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 7, 2024

4. Front side of Bethesda Presbyterian Church from East DeKalb Street

Baron Johann de Kalb's tomb is in the front churchyard.

Bethesda Presbyterian Church nave and chancel area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 7, 2024

5. Bethesda Presbyterian Church nave and chancel area

Bethesda Presbyterian Church National Historic Landmark plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 7, 2024

6. Bethesda Presbyterian Church National Historic Landmark plaque

Designated by the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior in 1985.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 317 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 1, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.