St. Catherine C.M.E. Church

Condensed History

St. Catherine C.M.E. Church originated from a mixed congregation which met at the site of Matlock Methodist Church in Hankinson, S.C. The congregation split and the black congregation established their church on rent free property in Hankinson, S.c. The church prospered at this location until the property changed ownership sometime around 1890.
The new property owner did not want a black church onhis property and gave the congregation one day to relocate the building. The officials of the church acquired land donations from Harry Hammond inKathwood, S.C. and the land was deeded on 2/14/1890 to the officers of the church: w.H. Brown, E.W. Seabrook, G. Johnson, P. Golphin, and F. Gillard. The building was relocated and named St. Catherine in honor of Mr. Hammond's daughter, Catherine Hammond.
In July 1936 we were blessed with a school for our children. It was erected by Aiken County. This school was requested by Trustees: R.B. Perry, A. Jones, R. Brooks, and H.L. Larke and built beside the church. This donation from the government was indeed a blessing and allowed our children to receive an education. The church continued its progress witht he outstanding leadership of Bishops, Elders & Pastors, Local Preachers and Officers of St. Catherine. After the school closed this property was used as a Community Center with Julius Larke and Pete Brooks appointed as Trustees by the county school board. The building and land were properly deeded for a fee and recorded in the Aiken County deed Book 534, page 805.
A new church was built in 1972 to replace the old building. This was accomplished under the guidance of our pastor Rev. W. White, chairman - Rev. Eddie Gardner, Trustees & Stewards Pete Brooks, Alvin Larke, Sr., Marshall Miller, Calving Larke, Sr., Benjamine Williams, Julius Lark, Jr. Calving Lark, Jr., C.C. Williams, Hardy Jones, Joseph Hilton, Johnny Larke and Rev. Paul Williams.
The church added an addition to the church during Rev. Hervist Williams assignment as pastor in 1981. This addition was designated for a pastor study, missionary room, and two restrooms. Under Rev. Hervist Williams leadership, air conditioning was added to the church and the choir was organized as follows: Johhn Larke and Ethel Lark-Leader & Present - Tomothy Lark, Mark Williamson - Musician. Robes were purchased (1989) and renovaiton to the school building was initiated.
Rev. Dr. William L. Austin Pastor