Georgetown in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Bethel Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 14, 2025
1. Bethel Church Marker
This African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first separate black church in Georgetown County. It was established by the Rev. A.T. Carr shortly after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation which freed the slaves. The church purchased this property Jan. 15, 1866, and remodeled the present building in 1908 when the Rev. R.W. Mance was minister. The educational building was built in 1949 under the pastorate of Rev. H.B. Butler, Jr.
Erected 1986 by Georgetown Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. (Marker Number 22-22.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 15, 1866.
Location. 33° 22.206′ N, 79° 16.812′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, South Carolina, in Georgetown County. It is at the intersection of Broad Street and Duke Street, on the right when traveling west on Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 417 Broad Street, Georgetown SC 29440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee and on Waccamaw Neck. 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 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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Beth Elohim Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Prince George Winyah Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct
this page online
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
2. Bethel Church, Marker on the Left
Photographed from the Beth Elohim Jewish cemetery across the Broad Street.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
3. Bethel A.M.E. Church
Photographed from across the intersection of Broad and Duke Streets.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
4. Bethel A.M.E. Church, Pastor: Rev. R.W. Mance, A.B.
This is the 1908 stone set at the front doors.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
5. Centennial Memorial Plaque, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Arthur Fisher, Minister
“In memory of those who have served and those whom we love.” This plaque is set to the right of the front doors.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
6. Front Entrance, Bethel A.M.E. Church
The 1908 stone tablet and the 1966 centennial tablet flank the door.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
7. Bethel A.M.E Church, Remodeled A.D. 1955
This stone is set at the Duke Street side doors of the church.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
8. 1966 Bethel A.M.E. Church Parsonage Plaque
“Bishop C.A. Gibbs, Prelate; Stephen A. Brown, P.E.; Arthur T. Fisher, Minister.”
Photographed by J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008
9. Bethel A.M.E. Church Parsonage
Parsonage is across Duke Street from the church.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,310 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 20, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the educational building. • Can you help?
