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First Union African Baptist

SC PICTURE PROJECT 2 Comments

SC Picture Project / Beaufort County / First Union African Baptist

Located just south of Hilton Head on Daufuskie Island, the First Union African Baptist Church dates back to 1881 and is the oldest building on the island. The church was built on the grounds of Mary Field Plantation, a former cotton plantation owned by John Stoddard.

First Union African Baptist Church

Dawna Moore of Fernandina Beach, FL, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In the early 1880s, Stoddard divided the plantation into separate lots and sold 12 acres to freed slaves for the purpose of building a church and cemetery. The first church was constructed in 1881 and served the congregation until 1884, when it was destroyed by a fire. The current structure was completed in 1885 and continues to hold regular services.

The church is included in the Daufuskie Island Historic District:

Daufuskie Island Historic District includes the geographic entirety of this South Carolina sea island. Accessible only by boat, Daufuskie contains 5,200 acres of mostly high dry land. The district’s character is defined by eighteen properties of particular historic and/or architectural note, and fifty-six contributing sites or structures. Wooded tracts account for another 167 contributing properties. Most of the buildings consist of folk housing, which is concentrated in two building complexes, both on the island’s western side. They were constructed from 1890-1930, but reflect a much earlier building technology. They are significant architecturally as a survival form. The buildings also include educational, religious, and public buildings which serve the whole population. The design of Daufuskie’s two lighthouses has architectural significance in its structural combination of a functioning lighthouse with living quarters. Other areas of significance are historical in nature. Military engagements of note during the Yemassee and Revolutionary Wars took place on Daufuskie. In addition, buildings, sites, and structures represent Daufuskie’s antebellum plantation society based on the cultivation of long staple cotton as well as the history of the island in the early twentieth century when life revolved around the oyster industry, logging, and truck farming operations. Daufuskie’s cultural resources illustrate a three-century long history (ca. 1700-1930) that has evolved with a minimum of outside influence. Listed in the National Register June 2, 1982.

Plan Your Trip: First Union African Baptist

Where is First Union African Baptist located?
Address: School Road, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915
GPS Coordinates: 32.106507,-80.875962
Website: http://www.fuabchurch.org/
What else should I see?
Silver Dew Winery 1.4 miles
Haig Point 5.7 miles
Stoney-Baynard Plantation 6.3 miles
Harbour Town Lighthouse 7 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Churches
  • Daufuskie Island Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina National Register
    First Union African Baptist Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bruce Newby says

      January 14, 2020 at 1:48 PM

      I was the very young pastor in Bluffton who travelled to Daufuskie to preach at the Union Baptist Church. The people were so wonderful. I would love for my wife to visit Daufuskie.
      Dr. Bruce Newby, Columbia, SC, 803-731-9582.

      Reply
    2. Carolyn McMillan says

      July 30, 2012 at 5:03 PM

      I was baptised in Union Baptist church in Bamberg, South Carolina. I did not know that there was another Union Baptist church in existence in South Carolina until I stumbled upon this photo.

      Brings back wonderful memories.

      Reply

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