PHOTO The church, which was located south of the 1887 "Brice Presbyterian" church building. Why Brice? That answer will be in our next installation.
By Diane Winebar
When Bluffton was still Shannon, this was likely the first church building erected in town.
Built in 1852 (some sources say 1851), it was home to the Presbyterian Church of Shannon, founded three years earlier as South Bethel. The building stood on the northeast corner of Main and Cherry streets, on land donated by the heirs of Daniel L. Goble, an early Shannon settler. William Wilson, a founding church member and Bluffton’s second mayor, constructed the one-room building with bricks also donated by the Gobles.
During the Civil War era, differences of opinion (and an outspoken minister) were reasons enough to suspend worship services. For several years, Mayor Wilson looked after the vacant church, keeping it ready for when services resumed. In the meantime, a German literary society, temperance crusaders and other groups used it. Oratories, theatrical performances and rallies took place from the wooden stage inside.
Presbyterians met in the little church until completion of the current 1887 building. This “new” building stands just north of the original church’s location.
In 2024 Bluffton Presbyterian Church celebrates 175 years of ministry in Bluffton and the surrounding area.