News
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On an Upstate SC hilltop, this historic Black church refuses to fade
After fire, loss and land threats, Soapstone endures
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Board Establishes Emeritus Recognition; New Member Elected
At its February 2026 meeting, the Soapstone Preservation Endowment Board established an Emeritus Board to recognize individuals who have served the organization with distinction at any time in its history. The inaugural Emeritus members are Don Lineback, Diane Smock, and Cleopatra Sparks, honored for their dedicated service and lasting contributions to the organization's mission. .
The Board also elected Adrick Ceasar of Simpsonville, South Carolina, as its newest member.
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2025 Annual Report
In 2025 the Endowment celebrated reaching its $1 million goal, completing renovations to the one-room schoolhouse, and making repairs from Hurricane Helene.
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$1 Million Endowment Achieved
The Endowment celebrates reaching its goal!
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$1 Million Raised to Preserve Historic SC Black Church
Highlighting the many efforts of reaching the endowment goal, including matching funds.
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Final Fish Fry
Soapstone Baptist Church hosted its final fish fry after 22 years, celebrating the legacy of Mabel Owens Clark and unveiling new tributes to the church’s rich history.
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SPE Receives $250K Grant
SPE was selected 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.”
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2024 Annual Report
The 2024 Annual Report celebrates surpassing a $500,000 fundraising goal to preserve the Liberia Community and Soapstone Baptist Church, with plans to reach $1 million to sustain this historic legacy.
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Soapstone School Undergoes Renovation
June 27, 2024 | Harper General Contractors Generously Help Renovate Historic School
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Press Release: Upstate Women Named Governor’s Award Winner by PreservationSC
June 27, 2023 | Pickens County Native Mable Owens Clarke Recognized for Lifetime Achievement
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Soapstone Church’s famed fish fry in Pickens will return for one day
March 4, 2023 | Post and Courier
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Black History Month: Brick by brick, Mable Owens Clarke shares history of Soapstone Church
February 7, 2023 | Greenville Journal
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2023 Annual Report
The 2023 Annual Report celebrates reaching 30% of our $500,000 goal, driven by generous support and unwavering dedication to preserving the Liberia Community’s powerful legacy and restoring Soapstone Baptist Church as a beacon of resilience and hope.
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“Preserving history: Soapstone church founded by freed slaves, permanently protected” Fox Carolina”
November 3, 2022 | Fox Carolina
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“Historic Soapstone Church and grounds permanently protected”
October 18, 2022 | Upstate Forever
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“Founded by freed slaves and saved by a promise, Upstate church to be preserved”
October 9, 2022 | The Post & Courier Greenville
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“Upstate Forever shines a light on local conservation heroes”
June 14, 2022 | Greenville Journal
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Soapstone Baptist Church
SC Picture Project