Mulberry Chapel Methodist Church

Mulberry Chapel Methodist Church was the first African American Church to be built in South Carolina. It was built around 1850, and is one of only a few dating back to just after the Civil War that are still in existence in South Carolina, especially in the South Carolina upcountry. This 167-year-old church is a wonderful example of the vernacular form of Gothic Revival ecclesiastical architecture, as can be seen in the photos below. Approximately 40 graves are on the property. Twenty of them are marked with the names of those interred, and include the grave of former slave, Samuel Knuckles, who served in the Constitutional Convention in 1868, and represented Union County in South Carolina (of which the Chapel was part at that time) from 1868 through 1872 in the House of Representatives. And, yes, the Chapel and its property are listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

PitziGil Publications has arranged with Mulberry Chapel United Methodist Church to receive donations for the upkeep and restoration of the church and its grounds through a special PayPal "Donate Now" button. At least $100,000 is needed for the restoration alone. This amount will be used to shore up the foundation, replace rotting or twisted woodwork, stabilize the roof and bell tower, reseal windows, stabilize the entrance steps, realign leaded-glass windows, etc. Additional funds will be needed for the upkeep of the grounds...the cutting down and removal of a 100+-year-old dead tree, that was in danger of falling onto the church, recently cost $1,000. The church is in private hands, and has been since its construction, and not eligible for 501c(3) status, therefore, no grants will be awarded toward these expenses...all monies will have to come through private funding, meaning generous people and companies who would be interested in helping the church. We hope that you will help! Please feel free to visit the National Register of Historic Places website (http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/cherokee/S10817711024/index.htm), or the National Trust for Historic Preservation website (https://savingplaces.org/stories/moose-littlejohn-and-the-mulberry-chapel-methodist-church#.WgIVmCMrJFQ), and then open your hearts and donate toward this historic church! We will acknowledge your donation, and we thank you for your generosity!

MULBERRY CHAPEL METHODIST CHURCH

Exterior 

This photo is the exclusive property of photographer Rodger Painter. Please do not use it without permission.

Exterior--double front door, with a beautiful stained-glass window added in 2010.

This photo is the exclusive property of photographer Rodger Painter. Please do not use it without permission.

Interior view of wonderful blue ceiling and chancel bay, the pulpit and chairs, wood altar rail with ornate cutwork, 29 handmade wood pews, and Gothic Revival windows.

This photo is the exclusive property of photographer Bill Fitzpatrick. Please do not use it without permission.

Close up of the blue chancel bay, the pulpit and chairs, wood altar rail with ornate cutwork, and two of the windows This photo is the exclusive property of photographer Bill Fitzpatrick. Please do not use it without permission.

Interior view of the stained glass window above the entrance.

This photo is the exclusive property of photographer Bill Fitzpatrick. Please do not use it without permission.