Healing Springs Baptist Church — Blackville, South Carolina
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.
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.
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.
Healing Springs Baptist Church Info
Address: 17 Springs Court, Blackville, SC 29817
GPS Coordinates: 33.3937623,-81.2731605
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12 Comments about Healing Springs Baptist Church
June 26th, 2019 at 9:25 pm
Thank you for letting us know!
June 25th, 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.
May 31st, 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.
May 30th, 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?
August 28th, 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!
August 28th, 2017 at 4:04 am
Please may I have the address from you so I can come and visit God’s church and spring?
June 7th, 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.
March 22nd, 2017 at 3:22 pm
The spring is open to the public and free of charge.
March 22nd, 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?
December 23rd, 2016 at 2:12 am
Healing Springs is a beautiful small area where water flows gracefully; still to this very day.
March 16th, 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.
May 6th, 2015 at 6:13 pm
Nice photo and interesting background. Thanks for your many contributions. I always enjoy them.
Jim Jenkins