Protecting & Promoting the History of Soapstone Baptist Church
2025 Fundraising Goal
When Soapstone Baptist Church and the Liberia Community celebrate their 160th anniversary in 2025, the Soapstone Preservation Endowment (SPE) hopes to have amassed $500,000 as a perpetual endowment to yield annual earnings that will forever protect and promote this important chapter in South Carolina history that stands as a testament to a people who persisted against all odds.
With early support from family, friends, and foundations, SPE ended 2023 with $150,000 on hand. SPE announced a new program, the Partnership Challenge, to help get the rest of the way there. We are seeking 100 businesses, churches, or individuals/families who will provide at least a one-time tax-deductible gift of $3,000 or $1,000 per year over three years to help us reach our ambitious goal.
Please consider a generous tax-deductible gift to help us meet this important goal. We have no paid staff nor fundraising expenses — 100% of your gift will go toward the $500,000 goal and work forever to protect and promote Soapstone!
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 donations go to help preserve the oldest active African American church in South Carolina and its important history. We have a goal of raising a perpetual endowment of $500,000 by the close of 2025 to advance this mission.
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