Olivet Presbyterian Church of McConnells, S.C.

“The Chester and Lenior Railroad connected McConnells to the region.”

City Directories and History:  Olivet Presbyterian Church was founded in 1842 by Independent Presbyterians under

HISTORY THREAD

the leadership of Rev. Robert Young Russell. The first church structure, a wooden frame building, was erected soon after the formation of the congregation. Thomas Burris, a coffin maker in the area and member of the church, made the pews which are still used today.

Image of the exterior brick work at Olivet Church – Courtesy of photographer Bill Segars, 2006

A new Gothic Revival influenced church structure was built in 1885 on a lot sold to the church by John D. McConnell, a local carpenter, for $100.00. The brick for the construction of the church was made and supplied from the brickyard of William Newton Ashe. Following the Great Earthquake that hit Charleston in 1886, Olivet had “earthquake bolts” installed.

The church structure has a steeply-pitched front gable roof and Gothic stained glass windows recessed in brick Gothic arched panels. Decorative elements include recessed brick panels along the cornice line, interspersed with circular cut-outs in the gable end; turned brick running just below the cornice line; and recessed Gothic panels on the rear facade.

The Sanborn Map for McConnells, SC does not show the church building on Church Street even though it was clearly standing. Perhaps their insurance was with another independent company that did not utilize the Sanborn Insurance Company.

“Olivet (“The Mount of Olives”), 1843, York County. The congregation disbanded following the War between the States. See Acts 1:12—“Then returned they (the Apostles) unto Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet.”

Images courtesy of photographer Bill Segars – 2015

Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC

Click in the More Information link, found under the primary image for additional details.

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