Padgett's Creek Baptist Church
National Register Listing
Street Address:
E of Cross Keys on SC 18 (Union County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817744004
Description and Narrative:
Built in 1844, Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church is important for detailed manual craftsmanship in its primary construction and for appropriate additions and alterations that have maintained the building’s architectural integrity. Organized in 1784 as the Church of Christ on Tyger River, the church adopted its present name in 1803. It became a member of the Baptist State Convention in 1841. In 1844 construction of a new meeting house began about one mile above the original and was finally completed by April 1848. It appeared as a plain, rectangular two-story building over slightly raised brick supports with an unornamented interior and a gallery “for use by colored members.” The front portion including portico dates from 1958 when it was added to the south side of the original meeting house style church. There is also a one-story rear addition. Padgett’s Creek was an upcountry meeting place for discussion of civil matters during the Civil War. On August 29, 1851, a secession meeting, possibly the first, was held at Padgett’s Creek. Speakers were Senator and later Governor William H. Gist and Congressman Daniel Wallace who advocated “secession rather than submission.” The congregation included African American members as late as 1872 and several of their graves may be seen in the cemetery. Listed in the National Register May 6, 1971.
Period of Significance:
1844
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Education;Religion
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
May 6 1971
