Old Presbyterian Church

National Register Listing
Street Address:
1905 Academy St., Barnwell, SC (Barnwell County)
Alternate Name:
Barnwell First Presbyterian Church

NRHP Nomination

Record Number:
S10817706006
Description and Narrative:
(Barnwell First Presbyterian Church) The Old Presbyterian Church is significant for its architecture and as the town of Barnwell’s first Presbyterian Church, which was used as the Barnwell County Courthouse during Reconstruction. It is also one of the few remaining antebellum buildings in town which was almost entirely destroyed by Gen. Sherman’s troops. The church was organized in June of 1832 by the Reverend Dr. James Henley Thornwell, a noted Presbyterian clergyman and later president of South Carolina College. The present church was built ca. 1848 of Greek Revival design with Gothic details. The pedimented gable roof is supported by four large square columns that rest on brick piers. Each window is crowned by a lancet arch with tracery of wood and glass. The church was apparently constructed by a local craftsman and has hand carved interior woodwork and a slave gallery. Listed in the National Register April 13, 1972.
Period of Significance:
1867;circa 1848;19th century
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Politics/Government;Philosophy ;Religion
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
April 13 1972

Related places
Barnwell
Barnwell County