Jamesville in Martin County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Jamesville Primitive Baptist Church

Built 1870

— Historic Churches of Martin County —

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 14, 2024

1. Historic Churches of Martin County Marker

Inscription. The Jamesville Primitive Baptist Church featured the classic two-front door type of entrance as was prevalent for most of the Primitive Baptist churches, one for the men and one for the women. The building is rectangular in shape with few adornments as was also the standard for this region. It does, however, have large boxed cornices with deep frieze that returns to frame the front gable. This is part of the Greek Revival design which was popular during the antebellum period. The structure also has louvered gable vents and (at one time) featured the nine-over-six sash windows.

The Jamesville Primitive Baptist congregation was started in 1827 when about fifty members from the Skewarkey Baptist Church left to form a new congregation, known as Picot, about halfway between Williamston and Jamesville. Among those influenced by the church was young Clayton Moore (1814 – 1881), who later became a wealthy planter. Moore became licensed to preach and served as pastor of this church from 1847 until his death.

Moore was a strong supporter of the Confederacy and as a result of his support, his plantation house was burned by the

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Union troops during the war. At the end of the war, the land-rich but cash-poor Moore struck a deal with the congregation. If it would give him the church building (presumably for use as a temporary dwelling), he would later build a new church in Jamesville.

By 1870, the congregation occupied its new structure (this building) and changed its name to the Jamesville Primitive Baptist Church.

Through the years the membership and activities declined. Then in 1953, Luther Hardinson, the last surviving member and deacon, deeded the church property to the Jamesville women’s Club.

The building was converted to accommodate the club’s needs by adding partitions, a kitchen and bathrooms. Some of the original pews were kept for seating. The building is still being used by the Women’s Club.

Erected by Martin County Tourism Development Authority.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Martin County Historic Church Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 35° 48.587′ N, 76° 53.817′ W.

Jamesville Primitive Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 14, 2024

2. Jamesville Primitive Baptist Church

Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Jamesville, North Carolina, in Martin County. It can be reached from Andrews Street south of Washington Street, on the left when traveling south. This marker and the stand on which it sits is currently behind the former church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1260 Andrews St, Jamesville NC 27846, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper 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 9 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Jamesville Primitive Baptist Church (a few steps from this marker); 85th Redoubt (approx. 8.1 miles away); Hoke's Final Line (approx. 8.6 miles

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 14, 2024

3. Jamesville Primitive Baptist Church

away); Roanoke River (approx. 8.7 miles away); Camp Williamston (approx. 8.8 miles away); Roanoke River Lighthouse (approx. 8.9 miles away); Why Plymouth? (approx. 8.9 miles away); Plymouth Water Street Landing Park (approx. 8.9 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Martin County Historic Church Trail. (Submitted on September 16, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 14, 2024

4. Historic Churches of Martin County Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.