Bear Swamp Baptist Church

Historic Property

Alternate Name:

[unknown]

Street Address:

541 North Bear Swamp Road;(Dillon County)

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Site Number:

604

Control Number:

U/33/604

Date Surveyed:

April 15 2008

Category:

Building

Construction Date:

1780 – 1810

Historic Use:

Religion

Current Use:

Religion

Historic Core Shape:

H

Architect or Builder:

unknown

Number of Stories:

2

Construction Method:

frame

Exterior Walls Materials:

Synthetic Siding

Foundation Materials:

Brick

Roof Shape:

cross gable

Roof Materials:

composite shingle

Porch Width:

entrance bay only

Porch Shape:

stoop

National Register Determination:

not eligible

Signficant Architectural Features:

broken pediment w/pilasters on door surround, paneled double doors, centered gable, steeple w/round doom on top, double-hung windows, side entry

Alterations:

new siding & window, new addition to side elevation, connects to parish house (recently built) with covered walkway

Historical Information:

1)Organized in 1785 by Jesse Ford, who was probably the first pastor, Solomon Page, Seabrook Watson & others. Page & Lydia Thompson donated the land for a building, which burned in 1825. The church was rebuilt & reorganized in 1831 with 102 members. During 1868, another fire destroyed the church building, which was rebuilt. It is still in use, though considerable renovations have been made to the structure from time to time. 2)1785, Congregation was founded. One acre on the north side of Bear Swamp deeded for use of Baptist Society, meeting house which stood on this tract was built in the 1780s & was used as a campsite by travelers between Fayetteville & Georgetown. 1831 the Baptist Society constituted as a Church.

Source of Historical Information:

1)Stokes- The History of Dillon County, South Carolina 2) Landmark sign

Quadrangle Name:

Lake View

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