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McBee United Methodist

SC PICTURE PROJECT 2 Comments

SC Picture Project / Greenville County / McBee United Methodist

Unusual in its design, McBee Methodist Church – located in the Greenville community of Conestee – is one of only three octagonal churches in the United States. Also known as McBee Chapel, the structure was built in 1841 by John Adams, a millwright and mechanical engineer from Stirlingshire, Scotland, who came to America in 1834 to practice his trade. Adams ended up in Lincolnton, North Carolina, where he met Vardry McBee.

McBee United Methodist Church

Timothy Harris of Taylors, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Known as the “Father of Greenville,” McBee had purchased land around what is now downtown Greenville and developed a village along the Reedy River. Acting as an absentee landlord, he established a sawmill, gristmill, and store.

McBee United Methodist Church

Timothy Harris of Taylors, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In the early 1830s McBee acquired more land along the river in Conestee and finally moved to Greenville County, along with Adams. The men developed a large paper and textile mill, now known as Conestee Mill. At the time, the mill was known as McBee Manufacturing.

McBee Church

Bill Fitzpatrick of Taylors, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The Methodist church in the Conestee mill community was established and built in 1841, and Adams, Vardry’s trusty engineer, designed the chapel in its celebrated octagon. Adams’ purpose in his design was to create more floor space. Included in the original chapel was a slave gallery – now a balcony – and an octagonal cupola, still extant. The church’s name honors Vardy McBee as well as his son, Alexander McBee, both who donated money and land for the construction of the church.

McBee Methodist Church

Bill Segars of Hartsville, 2005 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Adams also engineered the dam at Conestee that powered the mill, and he also designed other mills – mostly corn and flour mills – in the Conestee area while employed by McBee. Adams served as McBee’s mechanical supervisor for more than 20 years. McBee United Methodist Church, which seats around 150 people, remains active today.

McBee Chapel Sign

Bill Segars of Hartsville, 2005 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

More Pictures of McBee United Methodist Church


McBee Chapel Greenville County

Bill Fitzpatrick of Taylors, 2013 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

McBee United Methodist Church is listed in the National Register:

(McBee Chapel) Architecturally unique, McBee Methodist Church was designed ca. 1842 by John Adams, a local wheelwright who felt that more seating space could be secured by an octagonal arrangement. The little structure is a fine example of octagonal architecture in vogue in the United States from the 1840s-1860s, its prime advantage being that it encloses one-fifth more floor area than a square with the same total length of wall. In addition, octagonal design offered a new aesthetic dimension to American architecture at this time.

The eight-sided brick structure has a pyramidal asphalt shingle roof topped by an octagonal louvered cupola. It also features a molded brick cornice and a whitewashed base. The small stained glass panes surrounding larger panes of clear glass were added at a later date. The balcony, formerly used by slaves prior to the Civil War, was later removed and its door converted to another window. The church has a seating capacity of 150. The church was named for Vardry McBee, the “Father of Greenville” who provided funds for the little church.

Plan Your Trip: McBee United Methodist

Where is McBee United Methodist located?
Address: 53 Main Street, Greenville, SC 29605
GPS Coordinates: 34.766142,-82.353356
What else should I see?
Reedy River Presbyterian 0.2 mile
Conestee Mill 0.6 mile
Lake Conestee Nature Park 1.2 miles
Mauldin 4.3 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Churches
  • See other South Carolina National Register
    McBee United Methodist Map

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    Comments

    1. Myrna McBee VanCleave says

      July 2, 2018 at 3:55 PM

      I am from the John McBee family, our Church was built 1878. It is in need of repairs. We have the cementary. I remember the McBee reunions at the Church. with tea in the big crocks. When my husband got home from Korea’s front line, I took him the reunion. He only has one brother and few relatives. He stood up on the steps and said “All of these people are related to you” Of course i Proudly said YES. I am so proud. Thank you God for putting me in this family.

      Reply
      • Dianne Neely says

        November 13, 2019 at 7:57 PM

        Is McBee United Methodist church open for any event, such as a wedding ceremony?

        Reply

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    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.

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