Williams Chapel A.M.E. Church
National Register Listing
Street Address:
1908 Glover St., Orangeburg, SC (Orangeburg County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817738027
Description and Narrative:
Williams Chapel A.M.E. Church is an elegant essay in Gothic Revival architecture. Its picturesque massing and distinctive detailing attest to the talents of its architect, Miller F. Whittaker, who prepared plans for the building in 1915. Whittaker was the director of the Department of Mechanical Arts at South Carolina State College and was also the first African American architect practicing in South Carolina. Construction of the building began ca. 1915, but it was not completed until ca. 1925 due to financial difficulties. The congregation is said to have been organized in 1873, and until ca. 1919 worshiped in a frame building that sat to the northeast of the present building. The one-story brick church features two towers on the facade with pyramidal metal shingle roofs and corbeled battlements, Gothic arched stained glass windows, louvered Gothic vents and decorative brickwork. The front doors give access to a two-story narthex. Staircases on each side lead to the nave and balcony. Rose windows are displayed at the front and rear of the interior. Listed in the National Register September 20, 1985.
Period of Significance:
circa 1915 – 1925
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Ethnic Heritage: Black
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
September 20 1985
