Smyrna Baptist Church

National Register Listing

Street Address:

S of Allendale on SC 22 (Allendale County)

Alternate Name:

Kirkland Church

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NRHP Nomination Form

Record Number:

S10817703010

Description and Narrative:

(Kirkland Church) Smyrna Baptist Church is an antebellum frame structure of meeting house design set upon a low brick foundation. The exact dates of construction are not known, but local tradition maintains that the present structure was erected in 1827, the year the church was organized. A central Palladian window flanked by balancing nine-paneled entrance doors with transoms characterizes the front entrance. Both side facades feature five 9/9 windows with louvered shutters with eyebrow type windows located above each window. A cemetery surrounds the church. The original roof was covered by metal in the 1970s. The church exemplifies the meetinghouse design, which gained prominence in the early nineteenth century. Smyrna Baptist was organized in 1827 and was called Kirkland Church, a member of the Savannah River Baptist Association. Associated with the early history of the church is the heresy trial on charges of heterodoxy against Dr. W. R. Erwin, his wife Julia Robert and her sister-in-law Rachel Robert. The trial was held when the parties asked for an official ruling on their views about communion. In July 1833 the three were excommunicated from Kirkland Church and later formed Antioch Christian Church. Listed in the National Register May 28, 1976.

Period of Significance:

1827;1836;19th century;20th century

Level of Significance:

Local

Area of Significance:

Religion;Architecture

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

May 28 1976

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