Cynthia Gibbs: A Passionate Advocate for Taveau Church Restoration
After a long career as a military officer and then a successful small businessperson in and around Washington, D.C., Cynthia Gibbs had plans to build a retirement home for herself back home in Berkeley County.
She still gets back home a lot but those house-building plans have been put on hold while she and other committed volunteers complete the work of restoring an iconic but crumbling landmark: Taveau Church.
Built in the 1830s by enslaved people and in active use until the early 1970s, restoring the beloved structure is now well under way, a process that has included some pivotal moments, including recently watching the building carefully placed onto a new foundation.
“I felt a rush of excitement and relief,” Gibbs says. “Somebody told me that I’d lost my mind getting excited about lifting a 176-year-old structure, but I can get very excited about every brick and board that deals with Taveau.”
Holding Close a Church and the People Who Loved It
Cynthia Gibbs grew up near Taveau Church, in the Moncks Corner-Cordesville area of Berkeley County. She left home for a 21-year career in the Air Force before transitioning into government contracting and organizational consulting.
She always held close her memories of home, including her life at Taveau’s “sister church,” St. Luke UMC, about five miles away. They shared pastors and more, but operated independently until shrinking membership prompted the UMC to shut Taveau and merge it into St. Luke, forming what is now Cordesville UMC.
This merger did not mark the end of Taveau’s significance. Despite the physical closure, the spirit of Taveau lived on through its people and their dedication. Gibbs says one particularly notable figure was Gertrude Lloyd, a trustee who tirelessly raised funds for Taveau’s upkeep. “Miss Gertie really made an impression on me,” Cynthia says. “She loved the church and did everything she could for it.”
A Collaborative Project, Under Budget and Ahead of Schedule
In recent years, efforts to find a permanent solution for Taveau Church’s preservation finally bore fruit. Preservation South Carolina acquired the church in June 2023, and restoration efforts began in earnest. “It was crunch time,” Gibbs says. “The north section of the structure was separating from the main body, and it was on its last leg.”
A collaborative restoration process ramped up quickly and Gibbs has been deeply involved as the chair of the Taveau Legacy Committee. Her dedication is rooted in a profound sense of purpose and community.
“I believe your life has to be about more than just yourself and your views of what you should be doing,” she says. “Restoring a church that is 176 years old is work ordained by God from the beginning of time.”
The restoration aims not only to preserve the building but to revitalize it as a community hub. “We have partnered with Preservation South Carolina to restore the church, and we are ahead of schedule and under budget. I’ve been in project work my whole career, and I can tell you that doesn’t often happen!” she says.
The Vision for a Sacred Corridor
Plans call for the restored church to be used for ecumenical services, family and community events, and cultural gatherings.
Gibbs also envisions Taveau Church as part of a larger “Sacred Corridor” that includes other historical sites, including nearby Strawberry Chapel and Mepkin Abbey, which share location, history, and significance to the African American and broader community here and beyond.
As a tourism draw of its own, Gibbs says, the corridor would highlight the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region, providing a counterbalance to the battlefield histories that dominate South Carolina’s narrative.
“These places speak to our souls. After days of touring battlefields, visitors could come to places like Mepkin, Strawberry and Taveau for reflection and solace,” Gibbs says.
The Oral History Project
A critical component of the restoration is the oral history project launched by the WeGOJA Foundation, aimed at capturing the stories and memories of folks connected to Taveau Church. Gibbs points to the urgency of the endeavor as older generations pass away.
“History in this area is inextricably linked with race, religion, and the land,” Gibbs explains. “We need to get these stories out of people’s heads and onto paper.”
The oral histories will be preserved in the Historic Charleston Foundation’s Margaretta Childs Archive Collection and by the Taveau Legacy Committee. This project also will help inform the interpretive programming at the restored church, further ensuring that the rich history of Taveau is accessible to future generations.
Preserving More Than a Building
For Cynthia Gibbs, the restoration of Taveau Church is about more than preserving a building; it’s about reviving a living piece of her community’s heritage and matching it with its historic partners. “We believe that the Sacred Corridor will be well received, and there will be a lot of interest in visiting these historic churches,” she says. “The battles of this nation were not only won on our battlefields but also on our knees. We can never forget that.”
Gibbs’ passion for Taveau Church will help ensure the church will once again be a place of worship, community, and reflection, and that it will stand as a testament to the enduring spirit and faith of the people who have lived, now live, and will someday live in her beloved Lowcountry community.
“I feel blessed to be part of this opportunity,” she says of her delayed retirement-home plans. “Restoring Taveau is infinitely more exciting and rewarding than anything I had on my little agenda.”
By: Bill Fitzpatrick, Past Board Chair at Preservation SC
June 30, 2024
Historic properties where Preservation SC has easements in place: Wilkins House in Greenville, Hester General Store in Dacusville, and Rose Hotel in York.
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you.
In 2010, when my business partner and I sold our company, we had to sign four-year non-compete agreements. Knowing that he and I would return at some future date to start a new business, I decided with this time in hand to travel to and then photograph South Carolina’s collection of National Register landmarks. There are over 1,500 such places. Why? I love history, travel, writing, and photography. If you travel the backroads of South Carolina you will collect experiences. The one I am about to share is why I am on the board of Preservation South Carolina. One July day I drove from my Greenville home to the town of Pacolet to meet with Moose Littlejohn, the only caretaker of the long closed Mulberry Methodist Church. Built at the end of the Reconstruction Era, the church is dilapidated and near collapse. When it goes, it will take 150 years of Black history with it. The prospect of losing Mulberry Methodist bothered me that day and it bothers me today.
Q: What is a historic preservation revolving fund? How do they work/what is the process? What are a couple of revolving fund projects you’ve worked on?
At Preservation South Carolina (PSC) we often speak with individuals wishing to preserve an historic structure. Before going into a discussion about Revolving Funds we spend a few minutes discussing three important preliminary milestones. It is important that the structure is “historic” as judged by an objective agency. For example, is the structure listed in the National Register of Historic Places? Is it part of an Historic District? If the answer is “no,” an excellent first step will be to document and establish its historic significance. Once the structure is restored, what is the vision/purpose for the building? Can the historic home be a bed and breakfast? Can the historic general store find new life as a bakery and coffee shop? On a proactive basis or through a call from the community, our organization will identify an historic structure that is worthy based on the answers to the above two points. In such cases, we will find the owner of the property and talk about mutual interests. Perhaps the owner wishes to rid herself of an abandoned property that represents a liability. Perhaps the owner now lives in another state and cannot manage this property he inherited. Perhaps the owner is historically preservation minded and wishes the property to be restored and repurposed. In such cases we can help. In summary, the Revolving Fund process is dependent on a motivated owner who wishes to see their historic property preserved for future generations. Now let us take a closer look at exactly how a Revolving Fund works. In the simplest of terms, revolving fund projects allow a preservation organization like PSC to buy a historic property, rehabilitate or restore it, and then sell the property with historic protections in place to an appropriate buyer. As needed, our Revolving Fund Committee will meet and review potential property acquisitions or options. Like any prudent business, we have to be good stewards of the funds we have in our Revolving Fund program. Will the owner donate the property to PSC? Is the owner willing to sell the property at a reduced cost to PSC? Might the owner consider the possibility of allowing us time, via an Option Agreement, to market the property for a period of time to determine the community interest in the structure? We then make a decision whether to acquire the property, or not. Once acquired, we often invest some amount of funds in stabilization. These funds come either from our Revolving Fund or from grants that we apply for and receive. When we have stabilized the property and made other baseline improvements, we then try to find a buyer willing to not just purchase the improved building, but to agree to a preservation Easement. An Easement is a legally binding agreement that requires ALL future owners of the property to maintain the structure in its essential historic condition. Once the property is sold, a high percentage of the funds are then “reinvested” in our Revolving Fund. Find out more about Revolving Funds through this pdf booklet from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Q: How does your work with revolving funds at Preservation SC intersect with preserving Black historic spaces?
Since its 1990 inception, Preservation South Carolina has preserved a diverse collection of Black historic spaces, including homes, churches, and slave cabins. In many cases, our Revolving Fund program enabled us to acquire, improve, and then return the historic property to the community. But there are other reasons why, from Daufuskie to Anderson, Black communities have chosen our organization for the work. We are one of South Carolina’s only statewide non-profit preservation organizations. As such, we often work in areas not serviced by local groups, cities such as Union, Edgefield, and Cordesville. Our board of directors are recognized leaders in their respective and diverse fields. In addition to the nationally recognized preservationists who serve on our board, also in the mix are college professors, business leaders, media specialists, and land conservationists. Our Advisory Council provides yet more focused resources, as needed. Our institutional knowledge and corporate reputation bring credibility to even the most challenging project. Consider, for example, that within a year we received over $500K from outside granting organizations to stabilize Taveau, a now 50-year closed, dilapidated, pre-Civil War, Black Methodist church that is located in rural Berkeley County. As a 501(c)(3), we have the immediate ability to apply for and receive grants. Our mission is not to own historic properties. We wish them to be properly restored, with purpose, returned to the community, and to be protected in perpetuity. Our Revolving Fund is an important part of our portfolio. So are our intangible assets of knowledge, reputation, and shared mission.
Q: What do African American preservation projects and leaders need to know about revolving fund projects? How can revolving funds be used for Black preservation projects?
It is critical to consider the economics of the property, prior to signing the dotted line. To consider the economics, a full understanding of what you wish to accomplish is needed from start to finish. For example, in my Introduction, I mentioned how deeply affected I was by my visit to Mulberry Methodist Church in rural Cherokee County. I still think of Moose Littlejohn, still think about the history that will be lost when the church does collapse. But even during my time as board chair of Preservation South Carolina, and even with our Revolving Fund, I knew there was little that could be done to preserve Mulberry. Instead, our organization turned full attention to Taveau, another shuttered Black Methodist Church in Berkeley County. Both are listed in the National Register. Why preserve one and not the other? Mulberry Methodist is a fifteen minute drive from Pacolet, which is in turn another twenty minute drive to Spartanburg. Moose is the only voice for Mulberry’s preservation. Once preserved, then what? Who is going to cut the grass, repair a board, and secure access, once Moose is no longer around? Who is going to even use the building that might take $1M to restore? Taveau is located near the Cooper River between Mepkin Abbey–the burial home to Henry Laurens, a Founding Father and slave trader–and Strawberry Chapel, a 1725 church built by Elias “Red Cap” Ball, whose much later ancestor, Edward Ball, would write a best-selling book about his family and this area called, “Slaves in the Family.” Taveau is the only landmark associated with Black history in Berkeley County and many, many people wish this project to succeed. Not every worthy building can or should be preserved. Unfortunately, we often need to focus on those historic buildings that offer a community, and a purpose.
Q: What first steps would you recommend for people who are not professionals or experts in preservation to take if they are interested in using a revolving fund for their project?
As I noted in my own brief introduction, I had no background in historic preservation when asked to join the Preservation South Carolina board in 2019. Sure, I had a passion for building and history, but beyond that, no specific industry knowledge. Like those of you who might be considering a revolving fund project, I understand the challenges of “that first step.” Given the risks involved with an historic preservation undertaking, the best first step is to find your “preservation partners” before acquiring the property. Preservation partners might include a preservation organization such as PSC, or maybe a skilled consultant. A CPA and/or an historic tax consultant might be part of your team, as might companies that specialize in historic building restorations. Other partners could include bankers, real estate agents, historical societies and grant writers. *Toolkit Tip! Use our Experts Database Tool to find these experts!
Q: What is something many people may not realize about revolving funds (or your area of work)? (a helpful tip, rule, process, or insider knowledge that people new to this type of work might not realize?)
We have discussed the basics of revolving funds and preservation easements. Not covered to date are two equally important topics, rehabilitation agreements and tax considerations. To best understand rehabilitation agreements it might be helpful to remember that most historic preservation organizations, such as PSC, are not general contractors. We are neither staffed nor funded to accept or purchase a dilapidated structure, and then in a year or two, place a perfectly restored historic building back on the market. In general, we will invest funds in stabilizing at-risk historic structures, bring them to a marketable condition, and then expect the buyer to complete the work in accordance with historic preservation standards. The legally binding document that binds both parties is called a rehabilitation agreement. During the rehabilitation agreement period, we inspect the work to ensure that it is being completed as described. Depending on the property, its purpose, and the interest of the buyer or seller, there are tax benefits that may apply to some portion of the historic preservation transaction. For example: The donation of a property may qualify as a tax deduction. The donation of a preservation easement may qualify as a tax deduction. For larger scale properties that may be repurposed for commercial use, there may be tax credits for abandoned properties. If any of the above apply, contact a CPA who is familiar with historic preservation tax deductions and credits. Also – If your goal is to make money (and every organization needs to make money), then you will seek out historic properties that are in reasonable shape, can be easily improved (new tin room, etc.), and then quickly sold for profit. But if your purpose is to perform public good on a building that might otherwise be lost, then you will seek out historic properties in need of much more work. This will take much time and money. During my team as board chair of Preservation South Carolina, we worked on both the “profit expected” opportunities, and the longer term work. In our case the first helped fund the second. Nothing is more meaningful to those of us in the preservation world than to bring life and vitality back to an historic building, such as the work we are doing with Taveau and the Pottersville House.
Q: If you had to give just one piece of advice to folks who are looking into revolving funds to help fund their preservation project, what would it be?
Purpose! Before you begin a preservation project, consider this: What purpose will the restored landmark serve when restored? If you cannot answer that question you should probably not start the project.
Q: Do you have any other tips, thoughts, or insights for us?
Dr. Larry Watson: A Pioneer in South Carolina Black History Research and Preservation
Dr. Larry Watson stands as a pivotal figure in the exploration and preservation of Black history in South Carolina. As a professor at both South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina, he has dedicated his career to researching, teaching, and preserving the rich and often overlooked histories of African American communities.
From his early days at Millsaps College to earning his doctorate under South Carolina’s most prominent historian, Dr. Walter Edgar, Dr. Watson has consistently broken new ground in the field of history.
His work in historic preservation began as a graduate student and has since evolved into a lifelong mission to protect and promote the cultural heritage of African Americans in the South.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Watson has been an active participant in historic preservation efforts across South Carolina. His work has ranged from researching and preserving physical artifacts to advocating for the restoration of historically significant sites.
Through his efforts, he has not only helped safeguard important cultural assets but also ensured that future generations can learn from and appreciate the rich tapestry of African American history.
Below he shares more about himself as well as the imperatives and challenges of preserving African American history in South Carolina.
1. Can you describe your upbringing and educational journey?
I grew up in Hazlehurst, a rural cotton-farming community in Mississippi, about 120 miles north of New Orleans. My grade school education went up to the fifth grade, and from there, I attended Paris High School as part of the equalization movement. After high school, I received numerous scholarship offers. I chose to attend Millsaps College, a small private school with a strong academic program, and later earned my master’s in social studies education from South Carolina State College and my doctorate in history from USC.
2. Could you share a bit about your personal life?
I recently turned 73. I married my high school sweetheart, Ingrid, during my senior year of college. We have two children, both of whom have Ph.D.s – our daughter in physics from William & Mary and our son in nuclear chemistry from USC. Ingrid holds three degrees in education and research from USC. We also have three grandchildren: an 8-year-old and a set of twins who are five. We’ve been married for 50 years, and family has always been a central part of our lives.
3. What courses are you currently teaching?
I teach an Introduction to African American Studies course and upper-level African American history courses at both SC State and USC. These courses cover history up to 1865 and from 1865 to the present, as well as South Carolina history and government. Occasionally, I also teach introductory courses on the Civil Rights Movement and other topics related to African American history.
4. Why is historic preservation important to you?
Historic preservation is crucial because it helps us understand how we arrived at our current state by preserving artifacts, remnants, and records of our culture. These physical evidences give context and credibility to historical narratives. Without preservation, important aspects of our history could be dismissed or forgotten. It’s essential for citizenship development and helps keep the story of our past alive for future generations.
5. How did you first get involved in historic preservation?
My involvement in historic preservation began during my graduate studies in Walter Edgar’s public history program. As I conducted research and traveled, I noticed many historical artifacts were neglected and sites were deteriorating. This sparked my interest in preserving these important elements of our cultural history. I believe in the value of primary sources and understand that preserving physical items like roads, buildings, and documents is essential for accurately interpreting our past.
6. What are you focusing on in your historic preservation efforts now?
I’ve been working on the history of the first Black soldiers recruited into the Union army, particularly focusing on Reconstruction, which actually began in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1861. We have been educating teachers about this history through visits to significant sites like Tabernacle Baptist Church and Penn Center. These efforts aim to develop comprehensive lesson plans that can be used to teach this important history.
7. How has the field of historic preservation changed over the years?
Historic preservation has become more inclusive and comprehensive. Initially, it focused mainly on white South Carolinian achievements, but now there is a significant effort to include African American history. Churches, cemeteries, and residences of prominent Black figures are being preserved. This shift helps create a more complete and accurate narrative of South Carolina’s history, benefiting both cultural understanding and tourism.
8. What challenges do Black communities face in preservation work?
The primary challenges are resources and knowledge. Many Black communities lack the financial resources needed for preservation and are often unaware of where to find help. Organizations like WeGOJA Foundation are crucial for providing direction and support.
Additionally, historic preservation requires time and effort, which many families struggling with day-to-day survival may not have. Furthermore, there is a gap in historical knowledge among the younger generation. For instance, I’ve had students who grew up in Orangeburg who are unaware of the Orangeburg Massacre of 1968.
This lack of awareness underscores the need for increased education and engagement in historic preservation. Additionally, I’ve observed that many equalization and Rosenwald schools, which once played vital roles in their communities, are now crumbling. That said, some efforts to preserve some of these buildings have been successful, giving them such vital new uses as community centers and daycare facilities, highlighting their historical significance and preserving their relevance.
9. What keeps you motivated in your preservation work?
The work is far from complete, and the challenges in the current political climate make it essential to stay vigilant. Efforts to control and limit historical education in state legislatures mean that the fight for accurate and comprehensive historical preservation must continue. Ensuring that these histories are not forgotten or misrepresented keeps me motivated.
10. Can you explain your involvement with WeGOJA and why you support it?
I am an original board member of WeGOJA, which evolved from the South Carolina African American Commission Foundation. We rebranded to better reflect our mission, incorporating African and African American cultural significance into our work. WeGOJA plays a vital role in directing preservation efforts and providing resources to ensure that African American histories are preserved and celebrated statewide.
By: Brad Sauls, South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH)
June 14, 2024
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you. How did you get started in your field?
My name is Brad Sauls and I am the Supervisor for the National Register program at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). I have worked with the National Register and other SHPO programs since 1997. I have a Masters degree in Public History from the University of South Carolina.
Q: Tell us a little about your responsibilities at the State Historic Preservation Office…
I work within the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which serves as staff for the State Board of Review for the National Register of Historic Places. I supervise the National Register program, manage our federal historic preservation grant program, and provide assistance to local government preservation programs.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the State Review Board, its role as the first step in approving applications for the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Review Board is made up of professionals across many disciplines associated with history and preservation. The current Board Chair is Dr. J. Edward Lee, professor of history at Winthrop University. The Vice Chair is Mr. Philip Smith, professor of Classical Architecture at the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston. Other Board members represent the fields of archaeology, museums, and local government preservation programs. All new National Register nominations are submitted to the SHPO for initial review. The SHPO works with preparers to get their nominations ready to be presented to the State Review Board. Nominations are presented in a public meeting and must be approved by the Board as having met the criteria and requirements for National Register listing. Once approved by the Board, nominations are forwarded to the National Park Service for final review and approval.
Q: Can you provide tips on how to prepare applications for this process? How long does it take? How should property owners prepare for a presentation before the Board?
Anyone can submit a nomination but, in practice, the vast majority of nominations are prepared by professional consultants. The SHPO provides technical guidance and sample nominations to assist preparers. Nominations include lengthy narrative sections that describe the property and discuss its historic context and significance. Preparers summarize the case for listing in a 5 to 8-minute presentation to the Board. Presentations usually include a selection of photos of the property. From initial research and writing to final listing in the National Register, most nominations take up to a year to get through the process.
Q: Do you offer workshops on preparing applications for the National Register?
The SHPO has offered workshops in the past and most likely will again in the future. Between workshops, the SHPO staff is happy to provide advice and guidance for preparers, both novice and experienced. Our staff shares the latest tips from the National Park Service and helps preparers identify past nominations for comparable properties to use as a guide whenever possible. The process is lengthy and complex but we strive to help make it go as smoothly as possible.
Q: Can you give us an example of an exemplary and successful application, or an extraordinary presentation before the Board?
The 2023 nomination for the Phillips Community in Charleston County was special because it was the first “Traditional Cultural Property” listing in South Carolina. The “TCP” approach had been used many times in western states for landscapes and other sites associated with Native American history. This was the first time the “TCP” model was used to recognize an African American settlement community from the Reconstruction period in South Carolina. The listing occurred after many years of advocacy efforts by leaders of the Phillips Community, many of whom were descendants of the earliest Phillips residents, to document and preserve their history.
Q: Other tips or thoughts you’d like to share with the South Carolina African American community?
The professionalization of the National Register listing process means that it is almost essential to have a professional (or experienced amateur) prepare a nomination. Owners or stewards of historic properties that seek listing not only for the recognition but also for the (limited) potential assistance of grants or tax incentives would do well to seek help from an experienced preparer to achieve listing in a timely fashion. Otherwise, an inexperienced preparer faces long delays with an already slow process if substantial revisions and corrections are needed. Whomever prepares a nomination, we at the SHPO will be excited to see more nominations for properties associated with African American history. There are many stories still waiting to be told.
1: First African Baptist Church in Beaufort, SC 2: Hopewell Presybeterian’s cornerstone marker 3: A Deeds Index book listing of churches in Colleton County
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Short Description of topic
It’s at the heart of every community, but is the story of your historic African American church being recorded? Documenting its history could be as easy as recording the memories of the current congregation or as challenging as searching local newspaper accounts for the date of your church’s original founding. Whether you are writing a grant to fund a preservation project, trying to get your church listed on the National Register of Historic Places or simply trying to write a church history, there are many strategies that can help you get started researching your historic African American church.
Tips for Researching Your Historic African American Church
What do you already know about your church? Make a list of information that you already know about your church and another list about what you want to learn. Here are some questions to consider: What is the church’s current name and were there any variations or alternate names in the past? When was the church founded? Who were the significant leaders and families who have been associated with the church? Are there any auxiliary groups, charities, etc. that are or have been affiliated with the church? Is your church associated with an important event or figure?
Begin your research with people. If you are researching the history of a church with an active congregation ALWAYS start with church members. Start with older church members and work your way backwards. Don’t neglect younger generations! Their memories of the church will be the church’s history 100 years from now. Ask church members about the history of the church within their lifetimes and ask what they may know of the church’s earlier history. You can hire a consultant to do formal oral history interviews or record informal videos on your phone but take advantage of their knowledge.
Identify important church records and their location. Baptisms, marriages, births, deaths, burials, business records, charity activities, directories – past or present, are critical documents that can help you reconstruct your church history. Find out if your church still has any of its historic records. Here are some places to look: Filing cabinets in the back of the church office, basements, attics or storage rooms in the church or associated buildings. With the families of past pastors or administrative staff who may have taken records home for safekeeping. A centralized state or national level administrative holding or archive for the church’s denomination.
What has already been written about your church? Chances are a history of your church or the church you are researching already exists in some form or another – a commemorative booklet published by the church for an anniversary, a survey of black churches by the local historical society, a history published in a local newspaper. Be sure to check the church files, the local history room of your local library and online digital newspaper archives for previously written church histories. Don’t forget to look at any memorial plaques inside or outside the church, as well as the cornerstone for relevant information!
Consider the origins of your church. If you suspect that your church or its congregation had their origins within another institution, you will want to examine histories and historic records of the other church as well. Some questions to consider: Was your church or its congregation associated with another church in the past? Why and how did the two churches become distinct entities?
Use local land records to help you uncover church origins and track location changes. A great way to learn more about your church’s founding is to locate the original deed for the land the church sits on. Usually located at a county’s Register of Deeds office, these records should be accessible by the public during regular business hours. Be sure to ask if an index of local churches has already been created, otherwise search under the church name and any known name variations in the Grantee Index. Likewise, if your church has moved or changed locations, county deeds can help you track that information as well.
Dig into local newspapers. Many local newspapers have now been digitized and can be searched through free sites such as the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America website or subscription sites such as Newspapers.com. Conduct keyword searches in newspaper databases for the name of the church, the names of significant families and individuals associated with the church, etc. Keep in mind that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries the church might not have been named in the paper. Search instead using historic descriptors such as “colored church,” “negro church” or “black church.”
Scour your county library’s local history room. Many county library’s will have a local history room. Ask a reference librarian to help you locate books specifically on the county (the 975’s in the Dewey Decimal System) and for local history books specifically on religion and churches (usually the 200’s in the Dewey Decimal System). You may find an entire book, a simple chapter or a brief reference to your church in some of these resources so look carefully! Also, ask the library if they have a Vertical File. This is a miscellaneous file where programs, family histories, unpublished church histories, pamphlets, maps and other local material may be saved that could be relevant to your search.
Search out local maps. Maps can be a great way to trace your church history. Some questions to consider: When does your church first appear on a local map. How is it designated? Is the church listed under a variation of its current or historic name? How does the church and its location relate to the buildings around it? Is it located in a historic black community or located within the larger community? The SC Digital Library has digitized maps from every county across the state which are easily searchable, and also has digital access to the Sanborn Fire Maps which show many towns and cities from the 1890s – 1930s. Vertical Files in your library’s local history room may also have access to historic local maps that could show your church, as well as local museums.
Search digitized books repositories online. There is a wealth of knowledge available through Google Books & Archive.org. Use keyword searches for the name of your church, its denomination, names of families and individuals associated with the church to find relevant material. These sites not only contain digitized books, but also pamphlets, government reports, church histories, etc.
BONUS TIP!
Don’t forget historical context. Always keep in mind the larger history of the community, the state and the nation when researching the history of your historic African American church. The time period when it was founded, the challenges of segregated society, periods of violence, upheaval or natural disasters, can all have an impact on not only the story of your church but your ability to discover that history.
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Short Description of topic
African American churches play a fundamental role in our communities. Foundational to African American religious, political, economic, and social life, African American churches continue to inform and shape African American identity today. They serve as houses of worship, as well as social centers, safe havens and cultural repositories, and provide vital social services and spaces that uplift their communities. African American churches promote economic development, strengthen community ties and foster growth for future generations. Preserving church history is important to making connections to wider historical contributions by individuals who are African American.
Regular upkeep and building maintenance. Regular weekly cleaning. Periodic deep cleaning and systematic maintenance on the structure itself. Major undertakings, such as steeple repair/replacement, roof repair, wood preservation and HVAC system maintenance/upgrades. Fiscal responsibility is important to maintain monetary assets for incidental costs related to the building.
Maintaining meeting minutes. Maintaining accurate meeting minutes can help to create a historical footprint for events in church history. It can also create a relationship that is documented by date in relation to historical community and world events. Minutes should document members who are present and also in leadership positions, as well as decisions and actions made.
Sermon recordings and manuscripts. Sermon recordings and manuscripts can document individual leaders and speakers and their notes as they relate to historical events.
Oral and written history. Oral histories are a valuable tool for capturing and preserving information about historical events, major developments in Church units, lives of individual members, testimonies, and memories that may otherwise be lost. Written history was not as prevalent for African Americans. Therefore, we have relied on the stories passed along over generations of time. History, whether oral or written, can reveal stories of the African American church’s struggle to prosper, with setbacks and successes. Written history and transcription is important so the stories can be easily shared with future generations and researchers.
Physical artifacts and documents. Most important in this category are deeds, mortgages, property abstracts, and insurance policies that might need to be kept in a safe and secure location. It is also important to maintain photographs, church programs, and documents from church events.
News articles. Local newspaper articles can help piece together and corroborate the history and community connections of the church to historic events. Newspapers may carry the obituaries of church members or announcements of engagements, weddings, or other special events in the life of the congregation or its members.
Member interviews. Records from individuals help to preserve anecdotal information that can provide a more personal history of church events and celebrations. Interviews can capture the history of the church as viewed through the lives of its members.
Cemetery Records. Cemetery records may have a significance for research purposes, especially for family history. As gravestones deteriorate, confusion might develop if the written record of cemetery plots is lost.
Baptismal/Member records/lists/directories. Knowing the date of baptisms or memberships of ancestors can be very valuable historically. The composition of a congregation at various points in time would often be valuable in representing the church’s history. Directories give future historians access to full names, family members, addresses, and other information about the congregation that’s useful to their research.
Family histories. Family records and documents can reveal deep relationships to the church. Certain families may have frequent connections to the church that can contribute to church history. Family reunions also tend to incorporate the church in annual and semi-annual gatherings.
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Why does this matter and how is it relevant to African American preservation?
Sacred spaces and churches are cornerstones in the fabric of African American culture and history. These sites often simultaneously hold space for trauma, grief, joy, celebration, and resistance. They also have historically served as community centers for organizing, activism, education, and mutual care. Sacred places are an integral part of our cultural landscape, yet many sites have fallen into disrepair as buildings age and congregations change. These spaces are excellent candidates for historic preservation and rehabilitation.
10 Tips for Preserving a Historic Sacred Space
Define what sacred space means to you and your community – is it a church building? A location where a sacred activity took place (eg: Witness trees, brush arbor churches, baptism springs etc)? A location that is hallowed ground due to the events that took place there (site of a traumatic event, site of resistance or celebration?) A cemetery?
Find out who owns the space and its associated property. Is it owned by a religious group (eg: local Baptist association, Methodist association, etc.)? Is it owned in trust by the trustees of the church? Is it owned by a private citizen?
Contact the religious association, the trustees, or the property owner. Find out what their commitment to and understanding of preservation might be. Do they know the church needs to be preserved? Do they support the preservation of the church? Can they contribute financially or otherwise to its preservation? Find out actually how much they are committed to preserving this space and try to find out if they will pose obstacles or roadblocks to preservation.
Find out some preliminary basic information on the building or space: What is the state of the building or space? Is it safe to be in? Is it still standing or does it no longer exist (called “no longer extant” in preservation speak)? How old is the original structure? What updates have been made to the original structure? How much of the original building remains? Is the original building gone and has been replaced by a later building, and if so, what is the age of that building?
Bonus! Think through if your sacred space contains other buildings – many churches have associated cemeteries. Is the cemetery going to be included in preservation plans or will that be addressed later, if addressed at all? Cemeteries require a specific and careful type of preservation, so many church preservation projects do not initially include cemeteries as part of the preservation project, although they may address the cemetery through research or interpretation later on.
You are probably going to need an expert to identify the state of disrepair, if it is structurally sound, and what the extent of preservation might need to be. This would be a physical preservation expert – possibly an architect, an engineer, or other professional. Find professionals in our Experts Database.
Explore grant funding specifically for sacred spaces. One such grant is the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Fund for Sacred Spaces. Find other grants in our Grant Match database.
Find out if the property owner would be willing to participate in a Revolving Fund. Revolving Funds are one way that physical buildings like these get preserved – it involves the current owners selling the building for a smaller amount to a sponsoring organization (one such organization is Preservation South Carolina). The sponsoring organization will take over ownership and find funding to rehabilitate and preserve the building (usually is a multi-year process) and when preservation is complete, will sell the building back to the community or agreed upon owner at a lower rate.
Find out if your building or space would meet the qualifications for being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation is a complex process, usually taking at least a year and usually more to complete, and might require you to hire or seek out a professional who knows how to write successful National Register nominations. But once listed, your site becomes eligible for some additional funding and protection. Note – you will need the property owner’s permission to do this.
Work within your community to identify your stakeholders and work collaboratively to outline how the community wishes to see the building or space used after it is preserved. Many funders and experts will want to know if it is an active congregation – will the congregation return to worshiping in the space after preservation work is completed? Is it an inactive congregation, whose participants have spread out to other churches, and are no longer really connected? If that is the case, are there memories, stories, and legacies from this space that can still be saved? Will the building be used as a community center or even a museum/historic site? Define what your community wants the future of this space to be early on in your project and be able to describe the importance and impact of that use in your community to funders.
Start researching and planning now for how you will maintain the preservation of your historic sacred place beyond just the initial preservation project. Many people don’t realize that preservation is an ongoing maintenance process that requires capacity building and possibly capital support. Some larger churches are able to create non-profits and fundraise both within the church congregation and externally to grant funders to create a preservation endowment. While this is not feasible for every church, especially smaller rural churches without bigger active congregations, it is worthwhile to consider and plan for the ongoing maintenance of your space from the beginning.
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Short Description of topic
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund works to advance the broader preservation movement towards a more diverse and equitable representation of American history. Grants showcase the beauty and complexity of Black history and culture in America, while underscoring the urgent need to protect, preserve and interpret these invaluable American assets.
How to Apply for Grants With the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
The best way to be prepared for these grants is to be mindful of grant cycles and application deadlines because they vary. Do not submit applications outside of grant cycles without first discussing with the AACHAF.
You should also have a clear definition of your project and how it aligns with the mission of AACHAF. Get clear on your project mission and your achievable outcomes.
Develop clear and reasonable estimates for all costs. Do your research to budget appropriately for all costs and don’t undervalue the work that is required.
Stay informed of grant openings by adding your email address to the National Trust for Historic Preservation e-newsletter, here.
The Action Fund awards grants across four project categories: Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. Know what category you qualify for.
Find a Grant Program that matches your project:
AACHAF Grant Programs:
Action Fund National Grant Program — This funding advances ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes that represent African American cultural heritage. Funding supports work in four primary areas: Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. The minimum grant amount is $50,000.00. Guidelines and Application
Conserving Black Modernism — In partnership with the Getty Foundation, the Conserving Black Modernism grant program is designed to empower and equip preservationists and stewards with funding and technical support to preserve the material heritage, innovation, and legacy of modern architectural sites designed by Black architects. This is a $3.1 million grant program. Guidelines and Application
HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative — This program provides technical assistance and funds new Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plans at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The partnership with National Endowment for the Humanities seeks to empower HBCUs with the resources to protect, preserve, and leverage their historic campuses, buildings, and landscapes, and ensures these symbols inspire and educate future generations. Guidelines and Application
Preserving Black Churches — The Action Fund, with support from the Lilly Endowment Inc, is investing in historic Black churches and congregations to reimagine, redesign, and deploy historic preservation to address the institutions’ needs and the cultural assets and stories they steward. We are leveraging historic preservation as a tool for equity and reconciliation and celebrating historic Black churches as centers of heritage, community, and cultural life. Guidelines and Application ]
Photo caption: [ In January 2024, historic Taveau Church in Cordesville received a grant from the Preserving Black Churches program to restore this 19th century wood-frame structure. Plans call for the church to open for worship services again, and for historic interpretation and community events.]
Photo caption: [ caption for photo — In 2023, funding from the AACHAF supported an expansion of the Inalienable Rights program under the Slave Dwelling Project, led by noted living historian Joseph McGill, Jr. The program includes food education / cooking demonstrations, brick making in the style of enslaved craftsmen and blacksmith demonstrations from expert blacksmiths.
By: WeGOJA Foundation (with information from NPS State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division)
May 7, 2024
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
What is the purpose of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights grants?
The National Park Service (NPS)’s Historic Preservation Fund provides grants to local communities to help document, interpret, and preserve sites and stories related to civil rights. Many of these grants are competitive which means that an organization will submit an application that is reviewed and scored to determine if it will receive funding. Information about various grant programs will be found on NPS websites but the actual announcement of applications and submission of applications will take place through Grants.gov. Preparing and submitting an application takes time, so make sure to start investigating how to apply early. African American Civil Rights (AACR) grants fund a broad range of planning, development, and research projects for historic sites including: survey, inventory, documentation, interpretation, education, architectural services, historic structure reports, preservation plans, and “bricks and mortar” repair. Grant projects are split into two categories: preservation projects and history projects. Preservation project grants are for the repair of historic properties. History project grants are for more interpretive work such as exhibit design or historical research. This competitive grant program provides grants to states, tribes, local governments (including Certified Local Governments), and nonprofits. Non-federal matching is not required.
How should property owners and community leaders prepare for applying for African American historic preservation grants in the STLPG division?
Any case studies or great examples from South Carolina?
This grant program provides assistance to many South Carolina organizations. In its latest round of awards, the following organizations were funded: Clemson University – $55,625 Clemson University African American History Video Project – Clemson University of South Carolina – $4,250,000 Preservation of the Florence C. Benson Elementary School, an equalization school and a resource associated with segregation in Columbia, SC – Columbia South Carolina Rural Education Grassroots Group – $750,000 Stabilization and Preservation of the former Edgewood School, an Equalization School, Now serving as Edgewood Community Center –Ninety-Six Center for Creative Partnerships – $750,000 Preservation of All Star Bowling Lanes – Orangeburg
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved in African American history and heritage consulting?
I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and History and a Master’s degree in Public History with a concentration in Historic Preservation. I have worked at the SC State Museum as an educator and work as a Weekend Tour Guide at Historic Columbia. I really got involved with African American history with my undergraduate thesis where I used my journey with my own genealogical research to discuss the benefits of using online genealogical sites and how to branch out to find your ancestors. That continued through grad school where my master’s thesis was on African Americans as an enslaved population under the Cherokee Nation and how Native people as enslavers compared to white enslavers. That background of looking for information that is not readily available gave me the creative thinking skills that are needed for a job like African American History Consultant.
Q: What are some of the unique challenges faced in preserving African American historical sites, and how do you approach these challenges?
A lot of the challenges that I have noticed are interconnected. Sometimes a group will have a structure that is important to African American history but the building could be falling apart. Why is it falling apart? Because no one has been able to keep up with maintaining the property. Why is no one maintaining the property? This question has two answers: 1) the place’s history may have been forgotten so no one knows the importance of the building and/or 2) the individual/group associated with the structure do not have the funds to maintain the structure. When groups call me at SCDAH, I always ask them to tell me about the structure, the history behind it, who interacted with it and then I ask them what their goal is with the site. Most of the time they just want to know what is out there for them: more history, grants to stabilize the building, or even other groups that are experiencing the same thing. Each project, each group, each structure is going to be different, it’s important to listen, assess, and then provide the resources most beneficial to them. For example, at SCDAH, I can direct them to the Historical Marker program, the National Register of Historic Places, grant opportunities for funding, tax incentives, and research guidance for the Reference Room, including genealogical resources.
Q: In your experience, how important is community engagement in the preservation of African American cultural heritage, and what methods have proven most effective in fostering this engagement?
Community engagement is where preservation starts. It’s similar to a ripple effect, all it takes is one passionate person or group of people to make the drop and their impact will grow. People get passionate when they see other people’s passion whether it be creating social media where they post updates or applying to conferences and speaking at events about their mission, engagement starts with the grassroots and it may take time but that small ripple can become a giant wave.
Q: Could you highlight a successful project you have been involved in that effectively preserved and promoted African American history? What made it successful?
In my role, I am also the liaison for the SC African American Heritage Commission. At the beginning of 2024, they announced a funding program where they would cover the cost of up to 20 state historical markers that pertained to African American heritage and culture. The program ran for about 4 months and as a result the Commission maxed out the program funding and were able to fund 20 markers. The purpose of the program was to give smaller groups, who were historically deterred because of the cost of a state marker, a chance to preserve history in their area. South Carolina in the coming months will now have 20 new markers covering African American history that, if not for this program, may not have had an opportunity to be presented. The Commission marketed this opportunity in their monthly newsletter and sent flyers to various organizations across the state but ultimately, this program was successful because of local communities and their passion for future generations to know and learn about the past. For history about a school, a church, a cemetery, or a tenement settlement, to not be lost and to be forever remembered.
Q: How do you think technology and digital tools are impacting the field of African American heritage preservation?
In an age where technology is making the world go round, it has made a major impact on African American heritage preservation. Many groups have a social media page or a website where they update the progress of their efforts. There are Google maps that can point out specific historic sites like the SCDAH Historical Marker map. There are digital collections at museums like IAAM that are accessible from a person’s personal computer. Technology is allowing people to connect to African American heritage in a way that for decades has been difficult to do and this is because along with advancements in technology, there has been an increase in wanting to know about Black history. People are curious about who came before them and how their actions impact the future and technology is allowing people to take that first step in learning that information.
By: Stacey Young, Archaeologist at South Carolina State Park Service
May 6, 2024
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you. How did you get started in your field? What kind of projects have you worked on?
My name is Stacey Young and I am an Archaeologist for the South Carolina State Park Service. I am responsible for managing archaeological resources on all 47 operational parks and newly acquired properties. Generally, my responsibilities include resource protection, research, and education and interpretation. I have served in this position for 4 years and have been working professionally as an archaeologist for about 20 years. Prior to working with State Parks, I worked in the private sector for various Cultural Resource Management firms based in Columbia. I have worked across the eastern United States on various types of compliance related projects and archaeological sites ranging from lithic quarry sites used by Indigenous people 8,000 years ago to 50-year-old sites used for military training activities. As an undergraduate in college, I studied anthropology and became interested in communities; how people organize, form, and maintain communities and how communities develop and change over time. I enrolled in an archaeological field school one summer and learned how I enjoyed the physical aspects of the outdoor fieldwork as well as the thought-provoking nature of the investigations. Recently, I have been working on archaeological projects at Rose Hill Plantation, Redcliffe Plantation, and Sesquicentennial State Park looking for evidence of former buildings and spaces occupied and used by African Americans, trying to gain more understanding of these communities and engaging with descendant and local communities who have connections to the people or places. Many of these projects are working in partnership with archaeologists and anthropologists from the University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University which allows opportunities for training students in the discipline.
Q: What is your specialty or specific area of expertise?
My specific area of expertise is African American and Indigenous archaeology and I’m skilled at working collaboratively with communities to ensure projects respect their cultural heritage.
Q: How does your work in archaeology intersect with preserving African American historic spaces?
Archaeology is a tool that can be used to provide information about the lived experiences of African American communities and spaces. While buildings and documents may not survive, or even exist, the material culture (artifacts and landscapes) left behind and often buried over time can be used to inform us of past activities and help us recognize former spaces that may not be visible above ground.
Q: What do people in preservation need to know about archaeology? How is it relevant to them?
Many people do not realize that most archaeological work in the United States is conducted because there is a federal law (Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act) that requires this work be performed prior to any federal undertaking. If your preservation project is a historic building or space, it is possible that there are associated archaeological deposits. Archaeological investigations may provide additional information about people who used the space and how the landscape changed overtime. This information may enhance the interpretation and significance of the resource and allow you to tell a broader story.
Q: What steps would you recommend for people who are not a professional archaeologist?
If you are researching a privately owned property, make sure that you are talking with the landowner. If you are researching places or sites located on state or federally owned properties contact someone from the agency and inquire about any information or research materials in their files, and be familiar with the laws and regulations. Reach out to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO); they generally maintain a list of professional archaeologists working throughout the state and information about the services offered. The SHPO website also has a list of various archaeology resources across the state which may be applicable to your project. If you are interested in archaeological research, make sure to engage with professional archaeologists who have prior experience working on similar projects and are qualified to perform the work. Generally, if someone contacts me about a project that is not on SCPRT property, I try to connect them with an archaeologist that has expertise related to their research project.
Q: What do people in preservation need to know about archaeology?
Many historic places contain archaeological sites. When you are thinking about preservation projects, you should consider identifying and preserving the archaeological components as well.
Q: If you had to give just one piece of advice to folks who are looking to bring archaeology into their preservation project, what would it be?
Archaeology provides supplementary information which can enhance the documentary research or architectural resource.
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
What We’re Reading: Historic Preservation Edition I
Author: Brent Leggs, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Recommendation: This report asks a crucial question: “how can preservation be a force for advancing equitable development and social justice in African American neighborhoods and other communities of color? This report seeks to unpack some of the multidimensional and intersectional issues stemming from place-based structural inequities that continue to impact communities today. Our goal is twofold: first, to understand the implications of different forms of place-based injustice and their impact on the preservation of African American cultural heritage; and second, to identify preservation-based strategies for equitable growth that respect the historical and present-day realities and conditions of African American neighborhoods.”
Recommendation: This newly published collection highlights places across the US where we can see systemic racism in the built environment and the erasure of Black communities. “Black landscapes matter because they tell the truth. In this vital new collection, acclaimed landscape designer and public artist Walter Hood assembles a group of notable landscape architecture and planning professionals and scholars to probe how race, memory, and meaning intersect in the American landscape.”
Topics: cultural landscapes, architecture, built environment, art, memory
Recommendation: An interesting read to learn an overview of the history of African American historic preservation and the struggles still embodied today. This article features the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund as a major player and features some stories of preservation projects as they fight to protect and honor their legacy. Click here for a free pdf.
Recommendation: Colleges and universities contain some of our oldest buildings – a fact that many both within and outside of the campus place value in. But preservation has not always been a priority for campuses, and especially not conversations about what campuses should preserve and why. This is starting to shift however, and this article covers this growing shift in preservation thinking.
Recommendation: This book focuses on preservation of cities, and “the many ways that saving and restoring [the] historic fabric can help a city create thriving neighborhoods, good jobs, and a vibrant economy.” The history of urban development and recent urban resurgence is discussed and itt acknowledges both the positives and deep issues with this phenomenon (although it is not a book about the effects of urban renewal on Black communities, and could do a better job of addressing this reality.) The author “explains the critical importance of preservation for all our communities, the ways the historic preservation field has evolved to embrace the challenges of the twenty-first century, and the innovative work being done in the preservation space now.”
Recommendation: “In this instant New York Times bestseller, Jermaine Fowler takes a sweeping survey of human history to show how Black humanity has been erased and how its recovery can save the humanity of us all.”
Topics: Black history, whitewashed history, erasure, truth-telling, memory
Recommendation: South Carolina historic preservationist Joseph McGill, Jr. began the Slave Dwelling Project in 2010 in order to bring attention to the fact that formerly enslaved peoples’ dwellings still stand, and to foster honest conversations about history and race. “In this enlightening personal account, one man tells the story of his groundbreaking project to sleep overnight in former slave dwellings that still stand across the country—revealing the fascinating history behind these sites and shedding light on larger issues of race in America.”
