Duncan's Creek Presbyterian Church
National Register Listing
Street Address:
5 mi. NE of Clinton, off SC 72, Clinton, SC City Vicinity (Laurens County)
Alternate Name:
Old Rock Church
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817730004
Description and Narrative:
(Old Rock Church) Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church, built ca. 1842, is one of the earliest examples of rural church architecture in the upper part of the state. Its unadorned simplicity and solid stone construction are characteristic of buildings erected by early Scotch-Irish settlers in the Southeast. A simple rectangular building constructed of irregular stones, the church stands as a reminder of mid-nineteenth century rustic church architecture. The gable end is the main entrance façade and is centered with double doors flanked by two narrow windows at a slightly higher level. Its simplicity, uncomplicated symmetry, and fine stone masonry are features that make it a valuable record of upcountry rural architecture. One of the few changes made in the church was the removal of the original rear slave gallery in the first third of the twentieth century. Many churches in Laurens County are “daughters” of this old church as members of its congregation left to establish new churches in neighboring areas. The church is situated on a wooded site and is flanked by a cemetery containing carved stone markers of both Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers. The earliest grave dates from 1776. Listed in the National Register November 15, 1973.
Period of Significance:
1842;1764
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Religion
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
November 15 1973
