Central Baptist Church (Charleston, South Carolina)

Central Baptist Church is a historic Southern Baptist church at 26 Radcliffe Street in Charleston, South Carolina.[2][3] The Central Baptist Church was completed in 1893 and is considered the first church in Charleston founded and constructed entirely by African-Americans. The structure reflects Carpenter Gothic and Italianate influences and remains in excellent condition. Perhaps the most significant features of the structure are the large folk-art murals portraying biblical scenes including the Crucifixion, the Ascension, and the Resurrection of Christ which date back to 1915. Architect, John Pearson Hutchinson Sr., was hired as a negro carpenter, building contractor, and non-licensed architect. He was also a Deacon of the church.[4] It was built in 1891 and added to the National Register in 1977.[1]

Central Baptist Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Central Baptist Church, seen from the east
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Location	26 Radcliffe St., Charleston, South Carolina
Coordinates	32°47′18″N 79°56′28″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1891
Architect	Hutchinson, John P.
Architectural style	Gothic, Carpenter Gothic
NRHP reference No.	77001217[1]
Added to NRHP	August 16, 1977

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
2. McNulty, Kappy (November 24, 1976). "Central Baptist Church" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
3. "Central Baptist Church, Charleston County (26 Radcliffe St., Charleston)". National Register Properties in South Carolina. South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
4. Hummer, Lauren (March 25, 2005). "Central Baptist Church of Charleston, SC Historic Report" (PDF). Historic Preservation at the College of Charleston. Retrieved June 24, 2020.