Bethel Presbyterian Church (Clover, South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bethel Presbyterian Church
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Clover, South Carolina |
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| Area | 7 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Built | 1873 |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003714 |
| Added to NRHP | December 10, 1980 |
Bethel Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian church located near Clover, South Carolina. It is a very old and important church with a rich history that dates back to before the United States was formed. The church building you see today was built in 1873.
What is the History of Bethel Church?
Bethel Presbyterian Church was started in 1764. This makes it the oldest church in York County. Back then, York County was still considered part of North Carolina.
Bethel is one of the oldest churches in its region. It is also known as the "mother church" because it helped start many other churches nearby. A minister named Rev. William Richardson from the Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church helped establish Bethel. He wanted to serve the growing number of people living west of the Catawba River.
How Did Bethel Church Help During the Revolution?
Colonel Samuel Watson was a very important member of Bethel Church. He was also highly respected in the community. When people started talking about a rebellion against British rule, Colonel Watson quickly joined the cause.
He was chosen to be part of the South Carolina Provincial Congress in 1775-1776. This group helped create South Carolina's first written rules for government. Colonel Watson was the grandfather of Rev. Samuel Lytle Watson, who served as Pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church for 42 years.
When Was the Church Officially Recognized?
The South Carolina government officially recognized Bethel Church on March 22, 1786. Its official name became "The Presbyterian Church of Bethel Congregation." Later, Bethel became part of the Southern Presbyterian Church.
The church building you see today is the fourth one built on this spot. It was finished in 1873.
Who is Buried in the Church Cemetery?
The church has a historic cemetery where many important people are buried. There are 52 soldiers from the American Revolutionary War buried there. One of them is Thomas Neel, a hero from the War of Independence. He was also one of the church's first leaders. Many soldiers from the American Civil War are also buried in the cemetery.
What Happened in 1973?
On July 1, 1973, the members of Bethel Presbyterian Church voted. They decided to leave the Presbyterian Church US (PCUS) and join a new group called the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
In 2014, the church celebrated a very special milestone: its 250th anniversary!
What Does Bethel Church Look Like?
The current church building was built in 1873. It stands right next to where the older church used to be. The old building was taken down after the new one was finished. In 1980, this church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
What Makes the Architecture Special?
The church's design is a local version of a colonial meeting house. It has very strong construction with heavy wooden posts and beams. These beams were shaped by hand and joined together with wooden pegs. This type of building method was unusual for the late 1800s. By then, lighter and faster ways to build were common.
The roof of Bethel Church uses an old design called a "king post truss." This design has been used in some of America's earliest churches. Building Bethel Church was a big achievement. It happened during a time when there were many changes and challenges in the country after the Civil War. Even with difficulties, the church members built a large and comfortable place to worship without going into debt.
Tell Me About the Cemetery
A large, well-kept cemetery is located on the east side of the church property. It covers about three acres. The cemetery is surrounded by a stone wall. In 1887, it was estimated to hold between three and four thousand graves.
List of Pastors
- Rev. Hezekiah Balch 1770-1776
- Rev. Francis Cummins 1782-1789
- Rev. George G. McWhorter 1796-1801
- Rev. James S. Adams (Stated Supply) 1811-1840
- Rev. Samuel L. Watson 1840-1882
- Rev. Robert A. Webb 1882-1887
- Rev. G.S. Robinson 1888-1890
- Rev. David S. McAllister 1891-1899
- Rev. William B. Arrowood 1899-1909
- Rev. Robert Adams 1910-1914
- Rev. R.K. Timmons 1914-1916
- Rev. George W. Nickell 1917-1924
- Rev. A.H. Key 1925-1933
- Dr. Tilden Scherer (Temporary Supply) 1934-1937
- Dr. Tilden Scherer 1937-1950
- Rev. David Coblentz 1951-1961
- Rev. Kenneth L. Newman 1962-1966
- Rev. James L. Moss 1967-1971
- Rev. Vernon N. West 1972-1986
- Rev. John A. Gess 1986–2015
- Rev. J. Marcus Van Vlake 2015–Present
