Here’s a white building with a Civil War statue in front of it. Where is it? Send your guess to feedback@statehousereport.com — and remember to include your name, home city and contact information.
Last week’s mystery, “Is it haunted?” brings a resounding NO from Bill Segars of Hartsville. He shares that the photo shows Salem Black River Presbyterian Church outside of Mayesville in Sumter County. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about the building, Segar says.
“I have worked in every area of this building during daylight hours and darkness. I have never seen or heard any indication of it or the adjoining graveyard being haunted. It’s untold the amount of money that the small congregation spends on security and clean up after unscrupulous people have defaced the building and property as paranormal hunters. I am appalled by the actions of some people in the name of their own personal fun, while giving no thought to the consequences of their actions.
“If anyone would like to really experience the beauty and history of Salem, they would be welcome to attend a regular worship service which is held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month (except August) at 4 p.m., after which I’m sure they too will agree that this site is not haunted.
Congratulations to all who identified the church: George Graf of Palmyra, Va.; Jacie Godfrey of Florence; C.D. Rhodes, Elizabeth Jones and Jay Altman, all of Columbia; Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas; Frank Bouknight of Summerville; Penny Forrester of Tallahassee, Fla.; Kevin Mertens of Greenville; Don Clark of Hartsville; and David Taylor of Darlington.
Graf shared that the church, “built in 1846, is a well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture. From the time of its organization in the mid-eighteenth century until the present, Salem Church has played an important role in the development of history of the surrounding rural community. The church has been virtually unaltered since its construction. It features massive stucco-over-brick columns, a gable roof and a pedimented portico. Basilican in plan, the interior of Salem Black River Church is simple. A slave gallery extends along three sides and is supported by square paneled wooden pillars. Listed in the National Register Nov. 14, 1978.”
- Send us a mystery. If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send to: feedback@statehousereport.com and mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
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