Built in 1844, Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church is important for detailed manual craftsmanship in its primary construction and for appropriate additions and alterations that have maintained the building’s architectural integrity. Organized in 1784 as the Church of Christ on Tyger River, the church adopted its present name in 1803. It became a member of the Baptist State Convention in 1841. In 1844 c
onstruction of a new meeting house began about one mile above the original and was finally completed by April 1848. It appeared as a plain, rectangular two-story building over slightly raised brick supports with an unornamented interior and a gallery “for use by colored members.” The front portion including portico dates from 1958 when it was added to the south side of the original meeting house style church. Padgett’s Creek was an upcountry meeting place for discussion of civil matters during the Civil War. On August 29, 1851, a secession meeting, possibly the first, was held at Padgett’s Creek. Speakers were Senator and later Governor William H. Gist and Congressman Daniel Wallace who advocated “secession rather than submission.” The congregation included African American members as late as 1872 and several of their graves may be seen in the cemetery. Listed in the National Register May 6, 1971. Carrol Caldwell - Retired and called as interim pastor at Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church where he accepted the full time pastorate again. Carrol is very active in the Mason’s, Shriners, Shriners Children Hospital,
