Protecting & Promoting the History of Soapstone Baptist Church
Goal Complete!
October 21, 2025: “With lots of help and God’s blessing, we did it!” said Carlton Owen, Chairman of the Soapstone Preservation Endowment, announcing the successful completion of a three-year campaign to build a $1 million endowment safeguarding one of South Carolina’s most powerful stories of faith, freedom, and perseverance.
Milestones on the Road to $1 Million
State Matching Funds: Under the leadership of Rep. David Hiott (R–Pickens) and Rep. Chandra Dillard (D–Greenville), the South Carolina legislature pledged $250,000 in matching funds when the Endowment raised its first $250,000.
National Recognition: After two unsuccessful applications, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund awarded a $250,000 matching grant, propelling the campaign forward.
Community Partnership Challenge: The final push came through the recruitment of the 100th “Partner” — one of 100 businesses, churches, and families/individuals pledging at least $3,000 each in one-time or cumulative gifts.
While the milestone has been reached, Owen emphasized that support is still needed and welcome. “Every gift strengthens the foundation that will keep this story alive for generations to come.”
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?
We have met our foundational goal of amassing a $1 million perpetual endowment with 100% of annual earnings going to advance our mission without staff or overhead. Continued tax-deductible gifts will help preserve the oldest active African American church in the mountains of South Carolina — the site of what was once a majority-minority community that Clemson University Professor Mike Coggeshall calls a "white space."
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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