Bethlehem Baptist Church
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Wall and Gilmore Sts., Barnwell, SC (Barnwell County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817706003
Description and Narrative:
Bethlehem Baptist Church is a vernacular interpretation of the Victorian ecclesiastical architecture of the last two decades of the nineteenth century. Built circa 1898 by members of the congregation, the eclectic structure features both Queen Anne elements and Gothic detail. Architectural features of note include the steep, cross gabled roof with boxed cornice and returns; the asymmetrical massing of the towers; the 6/6 Gothic center pointed windows; the auditorium plan; and the tongue and grooved deep coved ceiling of the interior. The cupola originally featured a steep, tent-roofed spire; however, it was removed and replaced by the present cupola during the 1940’s. Exemplary of the widespread growth of independent black churches, which occurred in the South during the post-Civil War era, Bethlehem Baptist Church has played an important part in the religious and educational life of the black community of Barnwell. The congregation formed in 1868 as an offshoot of the Barnwell Baptist Church located at the same site and the old building was sold to the new congregation. After the floor caved-in around 1898, the 1829 building was demolished and the present Bethlehem Baptist Church built in its place. The brick veneered church rectory is included within the nominated acreage. Listed in the National Register July 10, 1979.
Period of Significance:
1898;19th century;20th century
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Religion;Architecture;Ethnic Heritage: Black
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
July 10 1979
