St. Matthews in Calhoun County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Bethel A.M.E. Church and School
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
1. Bethel A.M.E. Church and School Marker
Bethel A.M.E. Church was established in 1865 and held its early services under a brush arbor. Bethel was the first A.M.E. Church in Lewisville (now St. Matthews). Trustees Robin Amaker, Jack Dantzler, and Frank Keitt purchased land from Jacob G. Keitt to build the first permanent sanctuary and school house in 1867. The church was dedicated in June 1867 with Rev. Abraham J.C. Hamilton serving as the first pastor.
The Freedmen's Bureau contributed $250 to aid in the construction of a school for use by African American students. Known originally as the African Methodist Episcopal Church School, it was later renamed Bethel School. Mary Spiessegger was the first teacher, followed soon after by Charlotte S. Riley in Oct. 1867. The school served African American students from 1867 until the early 20th century.
Erected 2017 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by the Calhoun County Museum/Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9-14.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition,
this page online
Location. 33° 39.684′ N, 80° 46.774′ W. Marker is in St. Matthews, South Carolina, in Calhoun County. It is on F R Huff Drive (State Road 9-46) south of Mill Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1024 F R Huff Dr, Saint Matthews SC 29135, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, in Congaree Country, and specifically in Santee Cooper Country. 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Patriots of Calhoun County
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
2. Bethel A.M.E. Church and School Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 38 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
