Our History

Camp Creek United Methodist Church was organized in 1798 by Bishop Francis Asbury. Camp Creek is the second oldest Methodist church in Lancaster County. It is one of the oldest known Methodist churches in upper South Carolina.

On July 10, 1798, Middleton McDonald deeded 10 acres of land "with Meeting House together" to the church trustees, William Marlowe, Thomas Howze, George Hicklin, Gideon Glaze, and John Graham. The first church was said to be of handhewn logs and put together with wooden pegs. It is not known how long the log meeting house was used as a house of worship.

In 1809, the Rev. William Capers was sent as pastor to serve the Wateree Methodist Episcopal Circuit, a large appointment of 24 churches that included Camp Creek. The Rev. Capers was the first known pastor of the church. Since that time more than 57 ministers have served the church.

The present church building was erected about 1835 and is reputed to be the third building upon the church lands. The timber in the one room 30' x 50' frame building is hand hewn and was put together with wooden pegs and nails by hand in the Bell workshop. In 1952 the church was moved about 140 feet closer to the paved highway and completely renovated. Sunday school rooms were added to the rear of the church and a front porch, graced with large columns and a bell tower, was built.

Since then, other renovations have been performed. In 1984, a vinyl siding project was completed. The old church was completely covered with white siding to retain the original appearance while protecting the old timber. The recreational building that was built in 1955 was torn down in 1981 and replaced with a modern educational-recreational facility. A Consecration Service was held November 1, 1981 for the new 3,943 square foot building. In June 1993 the Docia Bell Recreation Area was dedicated in honor of the church's oldest member, Docia Threatt Blackmon Bell. Mrs. Bell died July 4, 1994 at the age of 101. A picnic shelter was added to the area and was dedicated on October 12, 1997.

Also of interest is our cemetery, located at the rear of the church. Some of the largest and most stately monuments to be found anywhere in the county are located here. The grave of Colonel Dixon Barnes is located in the cemetery. General John Bratton Erwin, for whom Lancaster's Erwin Elementry School is named, is also buried here.

In 1995, Camp Creek joined with Grace United Methodist Church to form the South Lancaster Charge. We continue in this great charge.

Camp Creek enjoys its rich history of serving Jesus Christ. Every year in April we observe this history by celebrating Heritage Day. During this time we dress up in old-fashioned clothes and attend a special church service with a covered dish meal afterward.

Camp Creek continues to be a thriving community of believers involved in ministry to our members, our community, and our world. By God's grace we have been brought to this year of celebration. By God's Spirit we will be led in the future.