Catholic Presbyterian Church
National Register Listing
Street Address:
14 mi. S of Chester on SC 97 and CR 355 (Chester County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817712002
Description and Narrative:
The present brick church building, completed in 1842 by Irish émigré David Lyle and the third on the site, is an excellent example of meeting house architecture. Historically and architecturally significant is this church which, after its organization in 1759, served the area’s first settlers (mostly Scotch-Irish Presbyterians) and later sent an impressive number of soldiers from its congregation to fight in the Revolution. Still in use at the time of its nomination, the church has one of the state’s longest records of continuous use. Known as the “Mother of Churches” in this area, Catholic Presbyterian was also the mother of other churches founded in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas by members who migrated to these states. It remains virtually as built, of hand-pressed brick, and displays such original features as molded brick cornices, pegged front doors, pine floors and pews. The cemetery, surrounded by a fieldstone wall, contains many old markers. A granite marker, erected in 1933 by Catholic’s Memorial Association, lists names of sixty-two soldiers from the church who fought in the Revolutionary War. Listed in the National Register May 6, 1971.
Period of Significance:
1842;18th century;19th century
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Military;Religion
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
May 6 1971
