City Directories and History: Constructed about 1840-60, this historic Baptist Church building is one of the oldest in the Langston Community. The church is named for the Revolutionary preacher, the Rev. Soloman Langston.
“The late James H. Sullivan, in an article published in the Laurens Advertiser and contained in the Laurens County Library, tells us that Langston is the oldest Baptist church in the county. It was organized in 1777 and named for a family of Langstons who were among the early settlers of that section near the Enoree River. Solomon Langston, father of Revolutionary War heroine Dicey Langston, donated land for the church building. During the latter years of the struggle against England, members of the church (known then as the Upper Duncan’s Creek Church) were scattered and regular services temporarily disrupted.
In 1810 the Warrior Creek Church was organized as an “arm” of Langston, the mission church taking from the mother church twice as many members as were left behind.
Joshua Palmer was the first pastor of Upper Duncan’s (Langston), and the group went in as a member of the Greenville Association. Later, it became affiliated with Reedy River Association and in 1899 joined the Laurens Association. The first Confederate contingent from Laurens County was organized at Langston Baptist Church, the surrounding area being used as a mustering ground during the War Between the States.
The small white frame building encircled by tremendous oak trees gives the visitor a sense of peacefulness. Field stones marking some of the graves in the adjoining cemetery seem to be in keeping with the plain sturdiness of the building and its history.”
Information from: The Laurens County Sketchbook, Author – J.S. Bolick, 1973
Langston Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Laurens County, is located near State Road 314 about nine miles northeast of Laurens. The church, organized in 1777, was for many years called Upper Duncan’s Creek Church but was known locally as Langston Church to honor Solomon Langston, who lived at the foot of the hill below the church. He donated the land for the church. Solomon Langston was an ardent Whig and was a lieutenant in the Spartan Regiment of our ary forces. He also had two sons fighting for the American cause; and his daughter, Dicey Langston, was a heroine of the Revolution. The first contingent of Confederate troops from Laurens County was organized at this church.
Sometime after 1884, the name of the church was officially made Langston. The first regular pastor was Joshua Palmer, who came to America from England shortly after the Revolution. Later, in
1803, he, accompanied by eighty-nine of his congregation, moved to Indiana. He there organized a new church and served as its pastor until his death.
(Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC)
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
Thanks!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: