Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church
National Register Listing
Street Address:
310 Green, Orangeburg, SC (Orangeburg County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817738022
Description and Narrative:
The Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church is architecturally significant as an early twentieth-century Romanesque Revival style church building whose brick construction and sophisticated design are especially noteworthy as evidence of the dedication of its congregation during a period when few African Americans made more than a basic living. In addition, Mt. Pisgah is historically significant for its association with Nelson C. Nix, pastor of the church for over forty years during the early twentieth century and a very influential member of the African American community through his position as dean of the mathematics department at South Carolina State College. A.W. Thorne, an African American builder, constructed Mt. Pisgah in 1903. The pyramid with cross-gable design of the church, as well as its fenestration detail and very intact interior features make Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church an important example of religious architecture in Orangeburg from the turn of the century. It is a one-story brick church with a square plan and a prominent tower on the south corner. The tower originally had a frame spire, but this was removed prior to 1969. The congregation was organized in 1865 by members of the First Baptist Church of Orangeburg, desiring their own church after Emancipation. Listed in the National Register September 20, 1985.
Period of Significance:
1903
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Ethnic Heritage: Black;Architecture
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
September 20 1985
