History of Fires
Three of the previous church buildings have been destroyed by fire. Despite losing everything in each fire, the church continued to hold services in the midst of tragedy. The congregation held church service under a tent in the field next to the church just days after it burned in 1949. In 1981, the church continued to hold services in the neighboring fellowship hall until the church could be rebuilt. Surviving these fires show the perseverance and determination of Beaver Creek.
The 1st Fire | About 1865
It has been said that Sherman burned the church during the Civil War. The following excerpt was found on a church bulletin from Beaver Creek’s Homecoming Celebration in 2021. Some believe this information to be inaccurate based on the Sherman’s path through Orangeburg. It is possible the church burned, but looking at maps Sherman was most likely did not travel through this area.
The 2nd Fire of 1949
The second fire to destroy the church occurred in 1949. The following excerpt was found on a church bulletin from Beaver Creek’s Homecoming Celebration in 2021. Also below, are articles that ran in the local newspaper about the fire of 1949.
The Fire of 1949 - Source: 2021 Church Bulletin
Thursday, March 31, 1949 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Homecoming Sunday At Beaver Creek - Fire Last Week - Tent Erected
Wednesday, July 22, 1949 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Revival - New Church Building Nearing Completion
Saturday, October 29, 1949 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Beaver Creek Church To Hold Dedication - New Building Completed
The 3rd Fire of 1981
The church burned a third time on February 22, 1981. The fired destroyed the sanctuary and all of its contents including the organ and piano. Initially, it was believed that arson was the cause of the fire. About three months prior to the fire, someone tried to burn down the fellowship hall but according to the article posted below it was a failed attempt. Sunday, May 31, 1981 signaled the formal rebuilding of the church. The new building was dedicated on Sunday, May 2, 1982. A church bulletin from 2021 states that this fire actually occurred due to a gas explosion.
Wednesday, February 25, 1981 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Arson Suspected
Tuesday, March 3, 1981 - Investigation Ongoing
Sunday, June 14, 1981 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Fire Doesn’t Stop Beaver Creek Church
Friday, March 26, 1982 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Beaver Creek has night of singing - New Building
Friday, April 30, 1982 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Beaver Creek Baptist Schedules Dedication - New Building
Fire of 1981 - Source: 2021 Church Bulletin
The Fire of 1981 (Optional Layout - Excludes Arson Assumption)
The church burned February 22, 1981. The fired destroyed the sanctuary and all of its contents. Sunday, May 31, 1981 signaled the formal rebuilding of the church. The new building was dedicated on Sunday, May 2, 1982.
Sunday, June 14, 1981 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Fire Doesn’t Stop Beaver Creek Church
Friday, March 26, 1982 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Beaver Creek has night of singing - New Building
Friday, April 30, 1982 - The Times & Democrat Newspaper Article - Beaver Creek Baptist Schedules Dedication - New Building