Tucked away on Drayton Street in the village of McClellanville, South Carolina is a Historical Gothic Revival Church known as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The first sanctuary for Bethel AME Church was built in 1872 by Mr. Paul Drayton, an African American architect and builder. Bethel AME Church became the first House of Worship for African Americans. As the membership increased, Pastors, officers, and members embraced the vision of a new Bethel on Society Road which was constructed by the early 1980’s. The deep history and family connections to Old Bethel prompted members to unite to restore Old Bethel in the early 1990’s. A plan was developed for the preservation of Old Bethel and while the momentum and camaraderie was evident, Bethel AME Church had to face the sad reality that the monetary resources were depleted and as of today, the goal has not yet been attained. Bethel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The restoration of Old Bethel Church reflects the hope and faith of our community. The McClellanville Community Foundation is committed to partnering with Bethel AME in this significant project of restoration and preservation.