PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Soapstone Baptist Church in Pickens County received a $250,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to protect its historical buildings and grounds.

The buildings and grounds include the church, a one-room school, a slave cemetery and soapstone rock outcrops used by the Cherokee for centuries as the source material for cooking implements.

A non-profit, the Soapstone Preservation Endowment, was established in June 2022 to collect a perpetual fund to protect the history and legacy of the church.

Carlton Owen, chairman of SPE, said, “When we began our work, few believed that we could ever achieve an audacious $1 million goal. Yet, in less than three years and with the benefit of this generous award we stand within sight of the finish line. We have faith that God will continue to bless this important work as we seek to obtain the remaining $200,000 needed to forever protect and promote this special place in South Carolina history.”

The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund was launched in 2017 for the purpose of preserving sites of African American activism, achievement, and resilience.

Brent Leggs, Executive Director of African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, said, “I am pleased Soapstone Baptist Church is one of 30 historic Black churches to receive this inaugural grant award. The work you are doing to preserve your historic Black church and tell the full American story is energizing and inspiring.”

SPE has also raised more than $250,000 from foundations, individuals and businesses which was matched by the State of South Carolina due to the site’s historic importance and tourism value.

Carlton Owen said SPE is still looking for 60 businesses, churches, or individuals/families who will join 40 others that accepted the “Partnership Challenge” of becoming “1-of-100″ giving tax deductible gifts of $3000 one-time or $1000/year over three years.

Owen said, “We faithfully believe we will reach our goal in 2025, the 160th anniversary of the establishment of the Liberia Community and Soapstone Baptist Church.”

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