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Clarendon Baptist Church

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SC Picture Project / Clarendon County / Clarendon Baptist Church

The congregation that fills this stately sanctuary was founded in 1908 in Manning. Without its own church building, the group of Baptists initially met in the Clarendon County courthouse before utilizing a building in nearby Alcolu called The Chapel by 1910. The congregation quickly grew after this move and by 1914 had grown to include nearly 100 members. This church was built and dedicated in September of 1914.

Clarendon Baptist Church

Bill Segars of Hartsville, 2013 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Over time, the church has added more buildings to its campus. However, its newest building is likely its oldest. In January of 2015 the Alcolu Preservation Society was given an early twentieth century mill house from the town’s beginnings. The house was moved to the grounds of the church, and the preservation group restored it as a museum of Alcolu history that is open on Wednesdays as of 2019.

Alcolu Mill House Museum

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The mill town of Alcolu was established in 1885 by David Wells Alderman, who operated a sawmill. The town’s name is a combination of the first two letters of Alderman’s last name, the first two letters of his partner’s name – Colwell – and the first two letters of his wife’s first name, Lula. An active mill town developed around Alderman’s business, which eventually included a logging operation and a cotton gin. An old general store dominates the old town’s main street.

Alcolu General Store

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

As Alcolu grew, so did Clarendon Baptist Church, which remains a vibrant part of the community.

Clarendon Baptist

Bill Segars of Hartsville, 2013 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Clarendon Baptist Church

Where is Clarendon Baptist Church located?
Address: 1780 Main Street, Alcolu, SC 29001
GPS Coordinates: 33.749591,-80.216631
What else should I see?
Amelia Bedelia Statue 5.6 miles
Pleasant Grove School 5.8 miles
Ebenezer Baptist Church 5.9 miles
Swamp Fox Trail 5.9 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Alcolu Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Churches
  • See other South Carolina Mills
    Clarendon Baptist Church Map

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