City Directories and History: 1917 – NA, 1948 – First Presbyterian Church, 1975 – Same
First Presbyterian of Laurens organized in 1832 with fourteen charter members and grew under the leadership of Rev. Samuel B. Lewis, who originally meet in a small facility of Church street. The current church was built in 1893 on property formerly used by the Laurensville Female Academy as payment for a debt of $800.00. It is an example of the Victorian Gothic Revival style of architecture popular in the late 19th century. Note the decorative brickwork.
“The First Presbyterian Church of Laurens was organized on April 1, 1832, at the end of a three-day preparatory period. The first gatherings were held in the county courthouse on Thursday, March 29, and on Friday, March 30. These services were open to the public in the mornings, in the afternoons and again “at candle lighting.” On Saturday, March 31, applicants for admission into the new organization were examined. On the Sabbath morning and in the presence of the assembly, the applicants publicly professed their faith. Ten persons had previously taken the church vows, and four new converts were received into membership. They were Doctor Robert Campbell and his wife Elizabeth, John Cunningham and wife Sarah, John McClintock and wife Margaret with their daughter Mary, Arnold Milner and wife Lucy, Samuel R. Todd and wife Emeline, Miss Lucy Young, Edward Anderson and Mrs. Tabitha Bowen. The newly organized Laurensville Presbyterian Church used the facilities available in the Old Rock Church on East Main Street.
Records do not show who made the organizational prayer. Doctor Moses Waddell, an outstanding theologian, was present; and the general thought is that it was he who left for future members the legacy of the following dedicated plea, “O God of Hosts, look down from Heaven, and visit this vine which we trust Thy right hand hath planted, and defend it, nourish it with the dews of divine grace and cause it to grow and spread and flourish. Dwell in each heart of those who compose this little band of Thy disciples and add to their number dailey as shall be saved. Amen.”
Samuel B. Lewers gave up a lucrative legal profession for the ministry. He was the first pastor of the Laurensville Presbyterian Church in which capacity he served for eighteen years.
The Presbyterians were the first congregation in Laurens to realize a brick building of their own. The new structure, with spacious grounds enclosed by an oramental iron fence, was on present Church Street. The site was purchased from the Laurensville Female College and was located in front of the college building. It was completed and dedicated in 1850.
In the early months of the War Between the States, the pastor of this church, the Reverend J. R. Riley, was appointed by a committee of the General Assembly to “furnish a living ministry in the Army.” The congregation then voted that Captain Riley’s salary would be continued, that all of his expenses would be paid and that an outfit of suitable clothing would be furnished him by the church.
One phase of the church program, unscheduled but very effective, was the daily service held with the accused citizens following the Riot of 1870. About forty men and boys, reputed to be of highest character and standing, had been apprehended. They were publicly displayed and carried in open wagons to Union, South Carolina, and sent from there by the first available train to Columbia. They were imprisoned for a time and later sent to Federal prison in Charleston. The Reverend Doctor John A. Leland, a former major in the Confederate army and the president of the Laurensville Female Academy, was among the group held for conspiracy and murder. Doctor Leland, himself an elder in the Presbyterian Church, said since many of the church leaders were among the “prisoners” he thought it only proper to hold daily services during their confinement. All of the men were finally released on bail and never called for trial.
The present edifice, facing West Main Street, was constructed in 1892, and the old building was sold and remodeled for a dwelling. In later years, when progress called for demolition, the bricks from the old church were used in a modern and attractive residence across from the Baptist Church property on Church Street. This house is now used for business purposes.
The first manse for the church, and the last house in Laurens to be built by slave labor, stands on East Hampton Street. After the War Between the States, it was decided to build a manse nearer the church. The one on East Hampton was then sold to William Lewers Boyd — a descendant of Samuel B. Lewers — first pastor of the Laurensville Presbyterian Church, and a second story was added. Presently owned by Boyd relatives who live in Texas, the building is in fair condition today despite its age and infrequent occupancy. At the death of the present owners, it is to become the property of the local church organization.
Members of the present day youth choirs smile at the idea of using a tuning fork as a musical aid in starting the hymn singing. On the other hand, older people recall that some very fine group singing was heard after the voices were harmonized by the fork to the musical pitch of the Psalms.
Perhaps the longest service record in this church is that of Samuel R. Todd who served as ruling elder for fifty-two years. Doctor John W. Simpson rendered the same service for forty-six years.
The history of the First Presbyterian Church of Laurens is closely allied with that of Friendship Presbyterian Church and Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church, the three having been served by the Reverend Mr. Lewers during their formative years. Wayside Presbyterian Church on East Main Street Extension was organized through the efforts of the membership of the First Church.”
Information from: The Laurens County Sketchbook, Author – J.S. Bolick, 1973
Click here for added information on this house and the Historic District. Also see PDF this page: GUIDE TO PRESBYTERIAN NAMES AND PLACES IN SC by J.B. Martin, III – 1989
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CSX Bridge: This concrete and timber bridge was built in 1937 and features a pierced guardrail on each flank. When built it carried Main Street over the Charleston & Western Carolina tracks, now known as CSX.
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