Monticello United Methodist Church, also known as Monticello Methodist Church, is a historic congregation located in Monticello, Fairfield County, South Carolina. Constructed in 1861 by builder Jacob Bookman, the church is a notable example of mid-19th-century rural ecclesiastical architecture.

Architectural Features

The church is a one-story, front-gabled, weatherboarded frame building designed in the Greek Revival style, incorporating Gothic Revival elements. Key architectural features include:

• A pedimented façade with a boxed cornice and plain frieze.
• A portico supported by octagonal wooden columns atop a stepped brick entrance.
• Three entrance doors on the façade, each topped with Gothic Revival-inspired pointed-arched stained glass transom windows.
• Side elevations featuring multi-light, shuttered windows.
• An interior that retains original pews and a former slave gallery along three wall elevations.

The church sits on large granite blocks and measures approximately 40 by 70 feet.

Historical Significance

The Monticello Methodist Church holds historical importance as a well-preserved example of rural church architecture from the 19th century. Notably, during General Sherman’s march through South Carolina in the Civil War, the church was spared from destruction, even as other buildings in the area were burned.

In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 6, 1984.

Location and Contact Information

• Physical Address: 5100 State Highway 215, Jenkinsville, SC 29065
• Mailing Address: 6612 State Highway 269, Winnsboro, SC 29180-6882
• Phone: (803) 635-4157

The church is part of the Fairfield Circuit within the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Adjacent to the church is the Monticello United Methodist Church Cemetery, which contains approximately 275 memorials. The cemetery serves as a historical record of the local community.