“Engulfed in flames” — 156-year-old Darlington church believed to be total loss after fire

Photo Courtesy: Brian Gandy

DARLINGTON, SC (WOLO) — According to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 1372 Pocket Road in Darlington became engulfed in flames on Saturday.

Officers say Darlington County Fire District and Darlington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched shortly after 4 p.m.  in reference to smoke. Upon arrival, deputies found the church to be engulfed in flames.

Darlington County Fire District, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are investigating to determine the origin of the fire.

The historic Black church was founded in 1869 by Reverend Daniel Jesse and was incorporated just after the Civil War. The current building was erected in 1910. Director/Historian at Darlington County Historical Commission & Museum Brian Gandy, said via Facebook that the congregation is one of the oldest organized African American churches in Darlington County and has a rich history in the Back Swamp / Pocket Road community.

According to Gandy, the church may be a total loss.

On Sunday, New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Darlington held an 11 a.m. service for the church’s congregation.