Protecting & Promoting the History of Soapstone Baptist Church
Founded by formerly enslaved families after emancipation.
The Soapstone Preservation Endowment (SPE) exists to protect and share the history of the Liberia Community—Soapstone Baptist Church and grounds, the one-room school, and the historic cemetery.
View the 2025 Annual Report (PDF)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.”
Photo: Kerri Natasha Photography
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 summer of 2026.
Read the full storyWhy 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 among the oldest active African American churches in Upstate South Carolina.
Learn the History
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 one of the oldest active African American churches in Upstate South Carolina — the site of what was once a majority-minority community that Clemson University Professor John M. Coggeshall calls a "white space."
Your gift helps preserve the church, the one-room school, the historic cemetery, and the grounds for generations to come.
DonateAwarded the highest transparency rating for a nonprofit.
Candid (now GuideStar) is the most comprehensive source of information about nonprofits, providing data for donors and potential grantees on more than 1.8 million entities. In 2013, the organization established its "Seals of Transparency" with rankings from Bronze to Platinum. For more information, visit Candid.org
Soapstone Preservation Endowment is recognized by the IRS as a Public Charity.
Tax ID: 92-0309884