Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church
The restoration of Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church started in 2018 as a part of our Sacred Spaces Program, in partnership with the property owner and project team, with the primary goal of restoring original features such as stained-glass windows and shutters, alongside the installation of HVAC systems. An anonymous donation of $50,000 provided crucial start-up support to restore and protect this beloved sanctuary, which has served as a pillar of faith and community in the village of Mount Carmel
History
Mount Carmel is a small town located in McCormick County that developed in the 1880s, parallel with the development of the Savannah Valley Railroad. The area, however, was first settled by Scots Irish immigrants in the 1750s, followed by the French and Germans in the 1760s and 1770s. By the turn of the century, the community was thriving, driven by local cotton plantations and the railroad.
Following the installation of the Savannah Valley Railroad tracks, a post office was established in Mount Carmel in February 1885, and the town received its official charter in December of the same year.
At this time, Mount Carmel experienced significant commercial growth, with the establishment of five general stores, a pharmacy, a grocery store, two gins, two blacksmith shops, and a carriage maker, among other businesses. The population approached 300 inhabitants.
Concurrently, Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church was organized, with a frame building constructed circa 1890 on land donated by the Morrah family. The congregation held services in the weatherboard meeting house until the mid-1950s.
On July 30, 1896, a fire destroyed a significant portion of the village, including the residence of J.W. Morrah, which was later rebuilt on the same site. Four homes and twelve businesses were lost. Brick buildings quickly replaced the framed structures that were destroyed.
On August 4, 1906, the Town of Mount Carmel was formally incorporated. As time went on, residents began to migrate toward more industrial areas in pursuit of employment opportunities. The arrival of the boll weevil in 1921 had a profound impact on this rural location. The Great Depression of the 1930s delivered a final blow to the remaining prosperity in Mount Carmel.
Today, Mount Carmel has undergone minimal changes since the early 1900s and boasts a high concentration of buildings constructed during the town's period of prosperity. In 1982, the Mount Carmel Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Restoration
Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church features an impressive array of stained-glass windows, including two Gothic windows on the front elevation. These window sashes were almost entirely devoid of glass. The Chancel area showcases three Eastlake style windows, each consisting of two sashes. Preservation South Carolina engaged a specialized firm based in Greer, South Carolina to order and install the stained-glass windows requiring replacement.
The original shutters on each window necessitated restoration of the wood and paint, a project partially supported by the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston. The stained-glass windows and shutters at Mount Carmel were completed and reinstalled in 2024.
The church's interior remains largely unchanged, with many original pews and its original color palette intact. The central stove connected to the ceiling was removed due to liability concerns. A vintage 1920s lighting fixture chosen by the owners was added to honor their family.
Today
Our next steps involve implementing an entrance deck that complies with assembly codes while maintaining the historic integrity of this 1890s church.
We are grateful for the support of the property owner and the opportunity to work in the Mt. Carmel community.
