Mattoon Presbyterian Church is a cornerstone of Greenville’s African‑American heritage and spirituality. Located at 415 Hampton Avenue within the historic Hampton‑Pinckney neighborhood, the congregation was founded in 1878, emerging as a ministry to the local Black population, and was officially named after its founding pastor, Reverend S. M. Mattoon.

Its historic brick church building, completed in 1887, is believed to have been constructed by formerly enslaved artisans, a testament to both faith and craftsmanship in the Reconstruction era. The two‑story structure, notable for Gothic‑inspired fanlight windows, decorative hooded door frames, buttresses, and a gingerbread frieze, is the oldest African‑American church building still standing in Greenville County.

Designed with multi-use in mind, the ground floor originally housed a parochial school for Black children (grades 1–9) until its closure in 1929, while the sanctuary occupies the second floor.

Over the decades, Mattoon Presbyterian evolved into more than a place of worship: starting in the 1960s, it hosted a daycare under Annie Mae Austin, later evolving into broader community outreach. In 1999, it launched “Community Day,” a monthly feeding ministry that has served thousands of homemade meals to those experiencing homelessness, and in 2000 began a drama ministry to support these efforts through performances grounded in faith and social care.

In the early 21st century, the church undertook sensitive restoration—roof, fellowship hall, kitchen, windows, and sanctuary interior—in keeping with its status on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Hampton‑Pinckney Historic District and as a City of Greenville landmark.

Today, Mattoon Presbyterian remains a small but dedicated PC(USA) congregation, deeply rooted in its history yet actively reaching into the community. According to 2024 church statistics, it continues to reflect a largely African‑American membership and continues to steward modest but meaningful ministries and educational outreach efforts.

Walking inside or past Mattoon Presbyterian is to feel the resonance of resilience, grace, and service—where the legacy of a post‑bellum Black-led congregation meets contemporary faith in action.