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Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting the Historic Structures of South Carolina

A Non-Profit Membership Organization Working for South Carolinians Since 1990

2021: One Fantastic Year!

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Dear Friends,


Since 2018, I have served on the board of Preservation South Carolina, first as a member and now as board chair. To be sure, I am very proud of our accomplishments in 2019 and 2020, but 2021, well, it's been absolutely amazing from several perspectives. I hope you enjoy reading about just a few of the successes in the summaries that follow. And I also hope you don't mind if I share a brief note about 2022, and beyond.


As most of you already know, our long-serving president, Mike Bedenbaugh, is stepping aside from that role. But here's the good news: He will continue to be serve Preservation South Carolina as an advisor and special consultant. We are thrilled!


And we are equally thrilled to announce that in late November, Joanna Rothell joined our team in the role of Director of Outreach and Preservation. Like the rest of the staff and board of Preservation South Carolina, she loves history and preservation and wishes to help save our at-risk heritage.


I hope you enjoy reading about our terrific 2021 accomplishments. And 2022, and beyond, look even brighter.


Your continued support of our organization is appreciated.


-Bill Fitzpatrick

Board Chair

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July 2021


The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina's highest civilian honor, presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement. Governor Henry McMaster presented Mike the award during the annual preservation awards event.

Introducing our Director of Outreach | Joanna Rothell


November 2021



We are excited to welcome Camden-native Joanna Rothell to the Preservation South Carolina team as our Director of Outreach and Preservation. At the College of Charleston, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Historic Preservation and a minor in Anthropology. She is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of South Carolina’s distinct character and diverse historic districts, and looks forward to putting her skills to work in preserving South Carolina’s historic places.

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Each year thousands of South Carolinians work to preserve the state's legacy that is reflected in our historic buildings, structures, and sites. Since 1995, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Preservation South Carolina, and the office of the Governor have recognized exceptional accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitations, and interpretation of our architectural and cultural heritage with a series of statewide awards. We are preparing the nomination criteria for the upcoming 2022 award season. Be on the look out for the announcement in January and share your favorite preservation project to be included in the nomination process. Until then, click on the link below to see this past years winners.

Click Here to View All 2021 Winners

Mt. Carmel Church Restoration

Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from an anonymous donor, and the generosity of owners , Ed McAllister and Joseph Carpenter, Preservation SC's Saving Sacred Spaces Program was able to begin the restoration of Mt. Carmel Presbyterian church located in the small hamlet of Mt Carmel in north-western McCormick County. Constructed in the 1890s, this frame building is indicative of a flourishing early railroad town in South Carolina. Services were held in this weatherboard meeting house until the mid-1950s. Since, the church has remained vacant since passing into the hands of private ownership. Preservation SC has signed a lease agreement with the owners and are now investing into this small sacred space for future use as an event space. The town of Mt Carmel maintains it's integrity as a turn-of-the-century community with a thriving furniture business and a full service restaurant; we look forward to making available a newly restored Mt. Carmel Church in the coming months!

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Exterior: Before

 Prior to rehabilitation by Preservation SC.

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Exterior: After

Mt. Carmel with new paint. The original stained glass windows have been removed to be rebuilt off site and will be reinstalled in the coming weeks.

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Electrical Interior: After

Updated electrical systems have been installed along with this New Chandelier given in Loving Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Jones McAllister and

Mr. and Mrs. John Andrew McAllister Sr.

The End is in Sight! Trinity Church of Abbeville

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Since signing the lease three years ago, and assuming the leadership in managing the fundraising and renovation of Abbeville’s neo gothic masterpiece, Trinity Episcopal, Preserve SC has raised over $800,000 to complete the first 2 phases of restoration at a total cost of 1.4 million. 


The once leaning spire is now straightened and secured in its new foundational timbers and the leaking roof has been replaced and the newly climate controlled sanctuary is dried in a ready for another 160 years of sacred service to the community. We look forward to working in partnership with the diocese to strategize the planning for future phases that will include restoration of the exterior stucco.

Upcoming Projects and New Year News

Saving Sacred Spaces | With the onset of the New Year, we are expanding our Sacred Spaces initiative in hopes to give a voice to more spiritual places in peril. 


Across the state there is a growing need to recognize and advocate for this community, many of which are on the verge of being lost. It is our mission to safe guard for these spaces both renowned and obscure, whose unique history need to be told and structure preserved.


Mt Olivet Church | Located in Prosperity, this church is being donated to our Sacred Spaces Program to ensure this small church’s history is not forgotten as we strategize a sustainable use for future generations.


The Historic Taveau Methodist | ca 1835 and featured in Bill Fitzpatrick’s book “South Carolina’s Sacred Spaces” this historic church is in a perilous state of deterioration. Preservation SC leadership is working with the Methodist Conference, Mepkin Abbey, Cordesville Methodist Church and local leadership in the community to ensure this historic little framed church with an extraordinary history will never be lost. Stay tuned for upcoming developments!

We can't do all of this amazing work without your continued support. Please join us in our efforts to ensure South Carolina's historic places are not lost!

As a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, any donation to the PSC is 100% tax-deductible

Click Here to Make Your Year-End Gift
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Our Mailing Address:

Preservation South Carolina

PO Box 506

Prosperity, SC 29127

803.944.9425

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