Berly, William, House
National Register Listing
Street Address:
121 Berly St., Lexington, SC (Lexington County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817732008
Description and Narrative:
The William Berly House is important for its association with the early history of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of South Carolina - a dominant force in the history of Lexington County. Located upon part of the 102 acres purchased in 1833 by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of South Carolina and Adjacent States for the establishment of a seminary and classical academy, it was later used as a residence by the Reverend William Berly, a leading religious and educational figure in area Lutheranism during the mid-nineteenth century. The seminary and classical academy closed in 1856 when it moved to Newberry, becoming Newberry College. In 1860 the property was purchased by Reverend William Berly. It is not clear as to when the building was erected. However, it was probably in existence at the time of the Synod’s land acquisition and was believed to have been used as one of the campus buildings in the seminary’s early years. The house is a two-story clapboard structure characterized by a one-story porch supported by four square columns. The house originally featured a central open breezeway known as a “dogtrot.” The one-story wing on the left side was also connected to the main portion of the house by a dogtrot. These breezeways were enclosed around 1900. Included in the nominated acreage is an outbuilding which was originally the ice house. Listed in the National Register November 23, 1977.
Period of Significance:
1860
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Politics/Government;Education;Religion
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
November 23 1977
