• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

SC Picture Project

The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

  • FIND A LANDMARK
    • BY CITY
    • BY COUNTY
    • BY CATEGORY
    • BYGONE LANDMARKS
  • ADD IMAGES
  • VOLUNTEER
  • SPONSORS
  • DONATE
  • Black History

Healing Springs Baptist Church

SC PICTURE PROJECT 12 Comments

SC Picture Project / Barnwell County / Healing Springs Baptist Church

This historic congregation in Blackville was organized in 1772. Its name references the cherished Healing Springs that flow from the artesian wells behind it. The church is the oldest in Barnwell County and first met on the banks of Reeves Creek, also referred to as Whaley Branch. It was established by the Reverend Nathaniel Walker, who frequently moved from district to district as a deputy surveyor for King George III.

Healing Springs Baptist Church

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Walker settled in the area after leaving Beech Branch Church in Beaufort District (now Beaufort County) in the mid-eighteenth century. He organized a Baptist congregation in this corner of what was then Orangeburg District, and the group built a log house for worship around 1796 after Walker received a 500-acre land grant near Windy Hill Creek. Originally called Edisto Church, the log building burned (date unknown) and the congregation replaced it with a frame building. The church moved again to the present site and built the current structure some time between 1840 and 1850. Though it has been modified and updated over the years, this church has now housed the congregation for around 165 years.

Healing Springs Baptist Church

Ann Helms of Spartanburg, 2009 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The Native Americans who first inhabited Blackville claimed that the nearby mineral springs had the power to cure ailments. These claims were given further weight when four British soldiers were severely wounded near Windy Hill Creek during Revolutionary War. Legend holds that local Indians tended to the injured soldiers with water from the springs, and the soldiers’ health was subsequently restored. The soldiers credited the springs with their recovery, and the mineral springs have attracted visitors to their waters in search of their healing powers ever since. The church underwent a restoration project in 2017 which restored the original hardwood floors and enhanced the natural beauty.

Plan Your Trip: Healing Springs Baptist Church

Where is Healing Springs Baptist Church located?
Address: 17 Springs Court, Blackville, SC 29817
GPS Coordinates: 33.3937623,-81.2731605
What else should I see?
God's Acre Healing Springs 0.2 mile
Calvary Fellowship Mennonite Church 1.2 miles
First Baptist Church 4.1 miles
Blackville Depot 4.1 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Blackville Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Churches
    Healing Springs Baptist Church Map

    Please Help Us Stay Online

    We’d like thank everyone who generously supports the South Carolina Picture Project. You provide us with the inspiration and financial support we need to keep doing what we do. Every reader’s contribution, larger or small, is valuable. If you have enjoyed this website or found it helpful, please pitch in. Each donation helps – and it only takes a minute. Thank you!

    Support the SC Picture Project!

    $3,160 of $12,500
    105 Donations
    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Blackville UMC in Barnwell County, SCBlackville Methodist Church First Baptist Church BlackvilleFirst Baptist Church Calvary Mennonite SchoolCalvary Fellowship Mennonite Church Bethlehem Baptist ChurchBethlehem Baptist Church Farrell-O'Gorman HouseFarrell-O’Gorman House

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ashley Culp says

      June 25, 2019 at 9:06 PM

      Recently, in 2017, the church was able to undergo a restoration project. Part of that project was restoring the hardwood floors and enhancing the natural beauty.

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        June 26, 2019 at 9:25 PM

        Thank you for letting us know!

        Reply
    2. Frank says

      May 30, 2018 at 11:35 PM

      So do you drink or can you soak in it as well? The reason I asked is because I read that that men bathed in it?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        May 31, 2018 at 12:39 AM

        The water is not deep, it is for drinking, though we are sure you can take enough home to bathe in it as well if you chose to do so.

        Reply
    3. Bobby Proctor says

      August 28, 2017 at 4:04 AM

      Please may I have the address from you so I can come and visit God’s church and spring?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        August 28, 2017 at 10:48 PM

        Absolutely, the church is located at 17 Springs Court Blackville, SC 29817, the springs are located at the end of the horseshoe that the church is on. We hope you enjoy your visit, it’s a wonderful place!

        Reply
    4. Deb says

      March 22, 2017 at 1:39 PM

      I will be in Blackville tomorrow and would love to visit. Are you still open and is there a charge?

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        March 22, 2017 at 3:22 PM

        The spring is open to the public and free of charge.

        Reply
        • Lisa kesecker says

          June 7, 2018 at 1:01 PM

          Hi, going to holistic doctor and they found metals in me! I live in Pelion with with a well that I have drank from for 32 years. Never gave it a thought until my niece told me the water is in trouble. She went to Columbia University in New York City and became an environmental engineer. Now I am going to get my water tested and wondering what can I drink if it is bad? The Indians and my clients knew the greatness of this water, I’m glad you are taking care of it, the state won’t.

          Reply
    5. JoAnn McClain says

      March 16, 2016 at 11:00 PM

      Hello….I live in a small country town in Texas. I would love to visit your church & springs. I was told there is no more water. Please email me back & let me know if this is true. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Michael says

        December 23, 2016 at 2:12 AM

        Healing Springs is a beautiful small area where water flows gracefully; still to this very day.

        Reply
    6. Jim Jenkins says

      May 6, 2015 at 6:13 PM

      Nice photo and interesting background. Thanks for your many contributions. I always enjoy them.
      Jim Jenkins

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    FIND A LANDMARK

    Why This Site Matters

    Help Keep This Site Online

    We depend on the support of today’s readers to document South Carolina’s landmarks for future readers. Please help us continue this important work by making a donation below.

    $3,160 of $12,500
    105 Donations
    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    Recent Posts

    • H.L. Hunley
    • Strand Theater
    • Camden Depot
    • Charleston City Marina
    • Secession Hill

    Footer

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    CONTACT US

    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a quick email at share@scpictureproject.org.

    If you are looking for permission to use a photo, please reach out directly to the photographer listed in the image’s credit.

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

    The South Carolina Picture Project has two Facebook groups. One is dedicated to SC Historic Landmarks and Iconic Landscapes, and the other is dedicated to SC Nature and Wildlife.

    South Carolina Picture Project © 2022 · All Rights Reserved