Established in the nineteenth century, Harmony Presbyterian Church stands in the Hampton County community of Crocketville, which was once known as Whippy Swamp Crossroads.
The church is located beside the old Whippy Swamp Muster Ground, where the Whippy Swamp Guards gathered throughout the antebellum years to host political speeches and Fourth of July picnics. The Whippy Swamp Guard also held regular drills at Old Pocataligo and an annual review at Old Slow Hill near Coosahatchie (1). Several members of the Whippy Swamp Guards served in the Civil War. Soon thereafter, the militia’s meeting house, built in 1840, was demolished.
Harmony Presbyterian is constructed in the Queen Ann style (2). While the congregation dates to April 7, 1870, the church itself was not constructed until sometime between 1905 and 1907 (2). In 1954, renovations saw its wood lap siding replaced with vinyl siding (2).
The cemetery behind Harmony Presbyterian Church is actually the Crocketville Cemetery and unrelated to the church, though many church members are buried there. The church is still active, but membership is quite small.
Contributor David Mack of Ninety Six offers this glimpse into the history of Harmony Presbyterian Church:
My great-grandfather was Joseph Bingham Mack (1838-1912). He was a Presbyterian minister and his father, William Mack (1807-1879), was also a Presbyterian minister. Joseph organized and pastored at numerous churches in the Carolinas and Georgia. He spent a good deal of time in Charleston, SC, most notably at churches on Calhoun St. and Glebe St. He also traveled to other communities in the Low Country organizing and pastoring those as well. Here is an excerpt from a letter written to his father on June 2nd, 1870 pertaining to Harmony Presbyterian and other churches: “On Friday received 5 persons into Salem (colored) church – on Saturday elected another Elder in the Stoney Creek (McPhersonville) Church, as they had but one – & on Sunday ordained two Deacons & received one person into the Harmony (Whippy Swamp) Church.”
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This is Harmony Presbyterian Church. My father, Bill Wright, served this church as a Lay Minister for many years. By far, one of my favorite places on this earth. A beautiful, simple church. Nothing fancy. A place where your soul can rest and know there is a God.
I attended the counterpoint concert this past Sunday, 12-14-14. I lost my phone (with needlepoint cover). If you find it please call me, 803 584 7367.