Protecting & Promoting the History of Soapstone Baptist Church
Grant Puts Endowment $190,000 from $1 Million Goal
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund selected the Soapstone Preservation Endowment (SPE) from among 622 applications nationwide to receive a $250,000 grant that goes to “support growing a perpetual endowment to protect & promote Soapstone Baptist Church's buildings & grounds.” SPE Chairman Carlton Owen notes, "If just 58 businesses, churches, and individuals/families, take up our "Partnership Challenge" and join 42 others who have given a one-time gift of $3000 or $1000/year over 3 years, we will complete our campaign this year in time to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Liberia Community."
To help spur the campaign across the finish line, Preston Bailey of Traveling Panda Media has created two videos to help spread the inspiring message and opportunity:
Soapstone School Undergoes Renovation
The one-room school which was once the only school for African American children in the area is undergoing renovation led generously by Harper General Contractors. The building plans to open to visitors spring of 2025.
Why is Soapstone Baptist Church important?
Soapstone Baptist Church was founded in the mid-1860s when freed slaves from surrounding South Carolina counties sought a path from being property to owning property. They felt God led them to this hilltop in Pickens County and used them and this land to change generations. It is currently the oldest active African American church in South Carolina.
What does the Endowment do?
The Endowment was created in 2022 to help manage and protect this important property and oversee the preservation of the land and buildings for their historic and cultural value. The Soapstone Preservation Endowment is a 501(c)(3) charity supporting the property and history; the operating church budget is provided by the members of Soapstone Baptist Church.
How can you help?
Your tax-deductible donations go to help preserve the oldest active African American church in the mountains of South Carolina and the site of what was once a majority-minority community in what Clemson University Professor Mike Coggeshall calls a "white space." Our goal is to amass a $1 million perpetual endowment with 100% of annual earnings going to advance mission without staff or overhead.
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For more information, visit Candid.org
Soapstone Preservation Endowment is recognized by the IRS as a Public Charity.
Tax ID: 92-0309884