Bethesda Presbyterian Church (Camden, South Carolina) facts for kids
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Bethesda Presbyterian Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 502 Dekalb St., Camden, South Carolina |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1822 |
| Architect | Robert Mills; Simons & Lapham |
| Architectural style | Early Republic |
| Part of | City of Camden Historic District (ID71000787) |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003258 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 4, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | February 4, 1985 |
| Designated CP | May 6, 1971 |
The Bethesda Presbyterian Church is a really old and important church in Camden, South Carolina. You can find it at 502 DeKalb Street. This church is so special that it's called a National Historic Landmark. The main building was finished in 1822. It's one of the few churches still standing that was designed by a famous American architect named Robert Mills.
Contents
What Makes the Church Special?
The Bethesda Presbyterian Church is located right in the middle of Camden. The church area has several buildings. These include the main church building, John Knox Hall, and the Bethesda Christian School. There's also Hammet Chapel, the McAm Building, and Westminster Hall.
The DeKalb Monument
Right in front of the main church building, you'll see a special monument. This monument was also designed by Robert Mills. It honors Baron DeKalb. He was a brave soldier in the Continental Army. Baron DeKalb died in the 1780 Battle of Camden.
The Church Building's Design
The main church building is made of brick and shaped like a rectangle. On the front, facing the street, there are four tall columns. At the back, there's a simple steeple. The front wall has a special brick pattern called Flemish bond. The other walls use a pattern called American bond.
The front of the church has a large, rounded arch in the middle. There are also two entrances next to it. The back of the church is now the main entrance. It has a porch with columns and two staircases. These stairs lead up to a balcony inside. Below the stairs, two doors lead to the main floor. Above them, there's a rounded window. The side walls of the church each have five rounded windows.
Inside, the pulpit and altar are at the front. There's a balcony at the back. This balcony is held up by columns without grooves. The balcony has cool decorations. These include small tooth-like shapes and flat, grooved columns.
A Look Back in Time
The Presbyterian Church in Camden started a long time ago. It was active even before the American Revolutionary War. The first church building was destroyed during that war. After that, two more churches were built around 1790 and 1806. These were needed as more people joined the church.
Robert Mills' Design
The church building you see today was designed by Robert Mills. He was already a well-known architect back then. The church was finished in 1822. Its style is more "Classical" than some of his later works. It's also one of the few church designs by him that still exist.
Over the years, the building changed a bit. This happened mostly in the late 1800s. But in the 1900s, many of these changes were undone. So, the church looks very much like Mills' original plan.
National Recognition
In 1985, the church and the DeKalb monument were named a National Historic Landmark. This means they are very important to the history of the United States. The church is also part of the City of Camden Historic District. This district is a collection of historic buildings in Camden.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in South Carolina
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Kershaw County, South Carolina
- Bethesda Presbyterian Church (McConnells, South Carolina)
