Aiken’s Historic Friendhsip Baptist Church Plans New Building
In the city of Aiken, South Carolina, a historic Black church is making strides to enhance its facilities. Friendship Baptist Church is seeking to build a new administrative office on its property, aiming to better serve its congregation and community.
Early Foundations
The roots of Friendship Baptist Church run deep, tracing back to the time just after the Civil War. It was founded by newly freed slaves with the help of the pastor from Aiken’s First Baptist Church. This historical significance has made the church a landmark in the area, and it was officially added to the city’s historic register on September 12, 1994.
The church complex, located at the corner of Richland Avenue and Kershaw Street, consists of three main buildings: the original sanctuary built in 1894, a former parsonage turned administrative office built in 1920, and the N.L. Bush Activity Building erected in 1939 which was later renovated in 1974. Collectively, these buildings represent not only the church’s history but also its ongoing commitment to the community.
Proposed Changes
Recently, church leaders submitted a request to the Aiken Design Review Board asking for changes to the designation of certain buildings within the complex. Building Committee Chairwoman Kimberly Toney explained that they want to recognize the sanctuary as a standalone landmark while reclassifying the parsonage as a contributing structure and the activity building as a non-contributing structure.
Pastor Clinton Edwards Jr. emphasized that the sanctuary, holding deep historic value, will remain untouched. The church’s older office, known as the former parsonage, has not been used as a residence for over 40 years and lacks proper accessibility features.
Once the former parsonage is relocated, the church plans to construct a modern administrative office in its place. This decision comes after years of deliberations and acknowledgment that maintaining the old buildings in their current state would require more resources than the church is willing to invest.
Community Response
The request to modify the building designations has stirred a mix of responses from the community. While many church members support the changes—only two members are known to have voted against it—there are concerns from residents like Sharon White, who advocated for full preservation of the original structures.
White believes that preserving the buildings in their current locations adds character to the neighborhood and is wary about the potential consequences of moving the parsonage. “Moving the building could affect its eligibility for any renovation tax credits,” White expressed. Concerns about who would ultimately own the moved building also linger among residents, making the situation complex.
However, supporters like longtime congregation member James Gallman voiced that the interior of relocated buildings could still be preserved in good condition. “Just because you move it, doesn’t mean the inside has to be destroyed,” he said.
Next Steps
The Aiken Design Review Board voted to continue the discussions surrounding the church’s request for further consideration at their later meetings. The earliest the Board could revisit this matter is the upcoming September 3 meeting. If approved, the Aiken City Council may assess the re-designation during its meetings on September 9 and 23.
This proposed transformation at Friendship Baptist Church represents not just architectural changes but a revitalization of community spirit. As plans move forward, the church aims to bridge its rich history with a vision for modern enhancement, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for Aiken’s community.
