This simple church in Blenheim was built in 1834 as Great Pee Dee Presbyterian Church, founded by Archibald McQueen. It is considered one of the oldest – if not the oldest – remaining church buildings in Marlboro County. Two local Presbyterian churches later formed from this congregation – Bennettsville Presbyterian and Blenheim Presbyterian churches.
The church building was sold to an African-American congregation in 1891 and called Pee Dee Union Baptist Church and later, Pee Dee Missionary Baptist Church. The church’s first pastor, the Reverend Furman Peterkin, served Pee Dee Missionary Baptist until 1927.
The church was restored in 1945, and a new church building was completed on the same site as the historic sanctuary in 2008. Called the New Pee Dee Missionary Baptist Church, the modern church building sits in front of the original building. The churchyard contains the graves of members from both Great Pee Dee Presbyterian and Pee Dee Missionary Baptist churches.
Updated Pictures of Pee Dee Missionary Baptist Church
My mom is a Peterkin and a Dupree. She is the last living and youngest of her siblings. I would like to give pictures to her of her family that she remembers and knows from growing up as a child. Handy Peterkin was her great-grandfater. I would love her to have this gifts. Is there somewhere I could get these pictures? If so let me know. I am planning a trip to the church.
I had many great memories in this church.
My family is descended from the Peterkins and we are looking for the graves of my Great Great Grandparents,Jim Pete and Rachel Peterkin. I wonder if they are buried here?
Rev Furman Peterkin was my grandmother’s grandfather.
That’s so cool, Faith! Do you have any stories about him you can share? Even just basic life details? We’d love to be able to add more about him, and the church especially if you know anything. Thank you!
Actually he was my grandmother’s uncle. My family did some research on the family a couple of years ago. I will get more info for you.
Had some good times in that church.
My Great Grandfather was a former pastor; Rev. James Arthur Williams.
My great-great father Deacon Gray Peterkin was on the first Deacon Board of this church and many PETERKIN relatives are buried here too.
Does anyone know if there is a list of people who were buried there? I was looking for my Great Great Grandparents, ”Jim Pete” (James Peterkin) & Rachel Thomas Peterkin?
Ancestry.com indicates that a Furman Peterkin was the son of ”Jim Pete” (James Peterkin) & Rachel Thomas Peterkin? I do notice that the name was used multiple times though.