Rock Hill in York County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mount Prospect Baptist Church
This church, founded in 1883, first held services in private homes in Rock Hill. Formally organized as First Baptist Church, Colored, in 1885, it was later renamed Mt. Prospect Baptist Church. Its first pastor, Rev. Thomas S. Gilmore (1855-1938), served here 55 years, until his death in 1938. The first permanent church, a frame building, burned and was replaced by a second frame church about 1900.
In 1891 Mount Prospect hosted the first classes of Friendship College, founded by Rev. M.P. Hall to offer an education to Rock Hill blacks before there was a public school held for them. The school held classes here until 1910. The second church burned in 1914, and this brick church with Romanesque Revival elements, was built in 1915. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Erected 2014 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by the African-American Cultural Resources Committee of Rock Hill. (Marker Number 46-59.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures.
this page online
Location. 34° 55.768′ N, 81° 2.104′ W. Marker is in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in York County. It is at the intersection of West Black Street and Allen Street, on the right when traveling south on West Black Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: W Black St 343, Rock Hill SC 29730, 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 the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, 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: Rev. M. P. Hall D.D.
Other markers no longer nearby. Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company / Rock Hill Buggy Company and Anderson Motor Company (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Rock Hill Buggy Company / Anderson Motor Company (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 18, 2026
4. The church cornerstone
Col. Built 1885 Rock Hill SC
Rev. T.S Gilmore Pastor
Deacons: W.M. Ambers A. Long A. Hart
Rebuilt 1900
Rev. T.S Gilmore Pastor
Deacons: Ambers Long Manico Morrow
Destroyed by fire 1914
Rebuilt 1916
T.S. Gilmore D.D. Pastor
Deacons: Ambers Ruff Seals Mobley Rainey Massey.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 34 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
