Our nation will celebrate its 250^th birthday (semiquincentennial/sestercentennial) in 2026, and commemorations have already begun, including here locally in Pickens County, with the April 21, 2024 dedication of an America 250 marker at Old Stone Church in Clemson, where, in its cemetery, are the gravesites of 16 patriots, including General Andrew Pickens, for whom our county was named. The Andrew Pickens Chapter and Fort Prince George Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the General Andrew Pickens Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and Pickens County joined together to make possible the placing of the special marker. Each attendee of the dedication ceremony was given a map, showing the locations of the gravesites of all 16 patriots buried at Old Stone Church, and another brochure giving a description of each patriot.

Carolyn Nations, who serves as Chair of the Pickens County 250 Committee and is also Regent of the Fort Prince George DAR Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and also State Chaplain for the South Carolina DAR, welcomed everyone to the event. “Thank you for joining us today for the dedication of the DAR America 250 marker commemorating our patriots, whose service and heroic sacrifice aided and advanced the cause of independence. We have a sacred compact with the first patriots to ensure that the United States of America continues as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Rev. Isaiah Scipio, Mayor of the City of Pickens, gave the invocation, praying “The all wise God, we come to you with thanksgiving in our hearts. Thank you for this opportunity to come together and commemorate the lives that are here compassed around us. We remember the scripture where it says we are compassed with a great cloud of witnesses. So, let us lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us. And run the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, who is the author and the finisher of our faith. Father, I thank you for this moment, for this opportunity, this honor, that we can remember those who made our lives possible here in the United States of America. We love you, we praise you, and we lift you up, in the name of Jesus, we claim victory. In his name, we pray, Amen.”

The Pledge of Allegiance (original version written in 1892 by Rev. Francis Bellamy and adopted by the United States Congress on June 22, 1942) was led by Janice Neikirk, South Carolina State Chair of the Flag of the United States Committee for the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The American’s Creed (written in 1917 by William Tyler Page and passed as a resolution by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918) was led by Wayne Kelley, Vice President of the Pickens County Historical Society. “I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states, a perfect union one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I, therefore, believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States (written in 1787 by Gouverneur Morris, a United States Senator and delegate to the Continental Congress) was led by Anne Kilpatrick, SCDAR District 1 Director and member and past Regent of the Fort Prince George DAR Chapter. “We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The Salute to the South Carolina Flag (written in 1950 by Martha Carson and adopted by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1966) was led by Eric Barnhill, Upstate Regional Vice President of the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution, member and Past President of the General Andrew Pickens Chapter. “I salute the flag of South Carolina, and pledge to the Palmetto State love, loyalty, and faith.”

The first verse of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” (written in 1814 as the poem “The Defense of Fort McHenry” by Francis Scott Key and adopted in 1931 by the United States Congress as the national anthem), was sung by Kayla Culbertson, member of the Fort Prince George DAR Chapter.  “O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

Nations then recognized Curtis Arnold, President of the Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association, who greeted everyone and shared a brief history of the church and cemetery. “On behalf of the board, I want to welcome everybody here,” said Arnold. “It is really a pleasure to see a great turnout like this for a very august occasion, and we are very honored to have DAR and SAR choose Old Stone Church to provide a beautiful marker.” He added , “It really sets off, I think, the entire side of the church.” The building was started in 1787 and finished in 1802. “It was originally part of the Hopewell Church, he explained, but, when Hopewell Church burned on the plantation on the Seneca River, they moved to this current location and built a church that was fireproof. All of the stones, he said, “were brought down from a field in upper Pickens County. Slowly but surely, the farmers would bring the stones to the church on the weekends, and they would construct the church.

“It was actually built by a gentleman named John Rusk,” he continued. “The Rusk family has a lot of history. Out in the cemetery, you’ll see a very large marker. It was erected by the state of Texas, commemorating John Rusk’s family. His family moved on to Texas. He stayed in Pendleton. They became very much a part of the building of the state of Texas. My son-in-law tells me that there is a Rusk Street in just about every city in the state of Texas.” Arnold added that, in January of this year, a descendant of John Rusk traveled from Texas, with her grandchildren, to visit Old Stone Church. “We found out from her that the family continues to have a picture of Old Stone Church on their Christmas card every year,” he said. “She had been here, but had never been inside the church. This was a treat for her grandchildren. They flew in from Texas and spent the afternoon with us.

“It has been a stand-alone organization since 1920. We’re a very active church. We have lots of things on our schedule. We’re very open to the public here. We have a cemetery, as well. We have the Wreaths Across America program, which is a big part of the December events. We also have been partnering with the Pendleton Historic Foundation as part of their tour at Christmas. The Fort Hill Church has the Easter service here, as well as Thanksgiving services. We still have services from Pendleton Presbyterian Church. We’re loosely affiliated with Fort Hill Presbyterian, as well as Pendleton Presbyterian Church. But we are a stand-alone 501(c)(3) historic operating cemetery.

“We’re excited for everybody to come. This is a great occasion. It’s always good to see the church filled up and see folks enjoy this history. We are the oldest church in the Old Pendleton District. We hope you enjoy your visit here, and thank you.”

Nations then recognized Pickens County Administrator Ken Roper. “Thank you very much for having me,” said Roper. “I appreciate the opportunity. I see some familiar faces and some old friends here. I bring you greetings from Pickens County Council, specific greetings from one of our Council members, Claiborne Linvill, who represents this district, along with five other Council members, myself, and our staff of public servants, some 750 some odd public servants.

“I am mindful today of the 200^th anniversary, the bicentennial,” he continued. “I was just starting elementary school. I remember how formative it was to me. I had a bicentennial lunchbox and a thermos that talked about the bicentennial. I remember every television program, every grocery store bag, everything mentioning the bicentennial. And I can’t help but think that those early experiences, those early examples of civics, led me to the career path that I ultimately took in public service. And I’ve enjoyed that. I’ve found it to be very rewarding to offer that service back to the community of my birth. I have ancestors here buried, and so it is very important and very motivating to me. As the Reverend Mayor said, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, and it is right and proper for us to run the race that is set before us. And, so, when I think about this marker today, the 250 marker that we’re dedicating, I can’t help but think about the education that you all are providing in civics, in tradition, and how you are passing that on to another generation of future leaders and public servants. And, so, thank you for that. And, again, it is my honor to be here, and I offer you greetings on behalf of Pickens County.”

Nations then recognized Darlene Dowdy, Regent of the Andrew Pickens Chapter of the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution. “The Andrew Pickens Chapter is honored to have you join us today,” Dowdy said. “While the weather outside is, of course, gloomy, inside we should be filled with sunshine, honor, and pride as we come to honor the Revolutionary War patriots of Pickens County. I know you probably don’t want to walk through today, so we invite you to come back and visit the cemetery and see those graves, because that is your history. A government teacher always said if you go to an old cemetery, take the time to walk and read the tombstones. That’s your history. And a lot of us in SAR and DAR are looking for genealogical information, but it does give you a grand history. So, take the time to learn the stories not only of the patriots buried here but of patriots in Pickens County and patriots everywhere. We’re coming up on the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our country. That’s important. These brave men and women who are the patriots fought for their independence. These patriots survived and won their freedom.  And we carry that on today. So, let’s celebrate, honor, educate, and be patriotic as we move through these next years. Thank you.”

Nations then recognized Bud Starnes, President of the General Andrew Pickens Chapter South Carolina State Society Sons of the American Revolution. “Thank you, Carolyn,” he said. “I am the recently elected President, replacing Eric Barnhill, after he had served four years as President of our Chapter. Also here we have, today, members of our chapter, Harry Mays, who is our Vice President and also a descendant of Andrew Pickens. We have Ralph Welton, who has done quite a bit of research on the patriots who are buried here, together with others on a statewide basis, to identify all of the patriots who are buried in South Carolina.

“I also represent our Chapter on the Pickens 250 committee. Education is very important to both our groups, not only to the Pickens 250 committee, but our chapter is also happy to help support and contribute to the marker that we dedicate today with our fellow DAR chapters. So, it is a privilege for me to represent the Sons of the American Revolution here. For those of you who may have an interest in going out and looking for particular patriots buried in the cemetery, any of us with SAR can assist you, as well as getting oriented with the map that our Chapter produced. I want to thank all of you for being here and helping to support the educational process of the 250 committee in getting the word out about citizenship, patriotism, and the lives that our patriots lived. It’s hard to get a feel for their position and the sacrifice that they and their families had to endure during the time of the Revolutionary War. We just want to recognize and celebrate.  Thank you very much.”

Nations then recognized Harriet Nash, member and Historian for the Fort Prince George DAR Chapter, who shared about the history as well as the reason for commemorating the special occasion.

“July 4, 2026 will be the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776,” Nash said. “The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has been in preparation for celebrating this special occasion for several years already, because we want to help educate the public about our Revolutionary War Patriot ancestors. These ancestors believed in the noble cause of liberty and fought so hard for our independence, risking their lives and livelihood. We also want to instill in our citizens the significance of our winning the Revolutionary War. We, in Pickens County, will be celebrating and promoting the many Patriots who served from our county, as well as honoring our state’s important role in the American Revolution.

“Of course, the entire nation will be celebrating this 250^th anniversary, but, somehow, I am especially proud to live in one of the original 13 colonies, where many of the actual battles took place. We have rich history in our state – there being over 200 battles fought on our soil, more than in any other state.

“National DAR has encouraged all chapters to place an ‘America 250 Patriots Marker’ in their counties and states, and the Andrew Pickens DAR Chapter and Fort Prince George DAR Chapter were excited to answer that call, which we are doing today. All the markers have the following standard language on them: ‘This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation. 1775 – 1783.’

“The sponsors named on our marker are: Andrew Pickens DAR Chapter, Fort Prince George DAR Chapter, General Andrew Pickens SAR Chapter, and Pickens County.

“We are proud today to place this America 250 Patriots Marker on the grounds of one of the oldest churches in the nation, where 16 Revolutionary War Patriots are buried, the most in any other cemetery in our county. Not only is the famous Brigadier General Andrew Pickens buried here but also his wife, Rebecca Calhoun Pickens, who is also a verified Patriot.

“Many people think just men were Patriots – but there were hundreds of women who were patriots, as well. Rebecca Pickens is listed on our DAR website as a Patriot because of the depredation she suffered by the British, when their home was attacked and plundered because of her husband’s involvement in the War, and the many other services she performed while he was away.

“To give you an idea of how women could have served:  (1) carrying the burden of farm and family – Andrew and Rebecca had 12 children, (2) providing food and supplies for soldiers, as well as sewing and weaving clothing for them, (3) making cartridges for their guns, (4) caring for the sick and wounded, (5) actually doing the fighting, and (6) yes – even spying on the British.

“Of course, there is so much to say about General Andrew Pickens, for whom our county is named – and counties in other states as well. He not only was a famous militia leader during the Revolutionary War, but, after the war, he was also very instrumental in negotiating several peace treaties with the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw tribes, treaties which were actually signed at his home, Hopewell Plantation. Hopewell is now a historical landmark on the Keowee River in Pickens County, and it is owned and maintained by Clemson University. After the War, he also served in the U.S. House of Representatives, and one of their sons, Andrew Pickens, Jr., and a grandson, Francis Wilkinson Pickens, were elected Governors of South Carolina.

“Today, you also received a listing of the 16 Patriots buried here, with a brief description of each soldier. If you are interested in visiting those graves, we have a map showing the location of them. Mr. Bud Starnes worked very diligently to make sure all the names and graves were correctly identified, plus he also has a list of other cemeteries in Pickens County where additional Patriots’ graves are located.

“Out of 46 counties in South Carolina, we are the 11^th county to place a 250 marker. I thought you might find it interesting to hear the locations where these markers have been placed in South Carolina to date: Abbeville County – Greenville Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Donalds; Barnwell County – Barnwell Veterans Park; Calhoun County – Belleville Plantation in Ft. Motte; Charleston County – The Old Exchange Building in Charleston; Colleton County – Parkers Ferry Battlefield in Jacksonboro; Horry County – Warbird Park in Myrtle Beach; Kershaw County – Camden Battlefield and Hobkirk Hill Battlefield in Camden; Lancaster County – Hanging Rock Battlefield in Heath Springs and – scheduled in May– Buford’s Massacre in Lancaster; Pickens County – Old Stone Church in Clemson; Richland County – First Presbyterian Church in Columbia; York County – Bethesda Presbyterian Cemetery in McConnells and York County Veterans Park in York.

“Four additional counties have upcoming marker dedications: Dorchester County – Oakbrook Dorchester Library in Summerville; Laurens County – Laurens County Courthouse in Laurens; Orangeburg County – Battle of Eutaw Springs in Eutawville; Spartanburg County – Anderson’s Mill in Spartanburg.

“We are very proud to put Pickens County in the top 11 counties to honor our Revolutionary War Patriots with this marker.

“The National DAR website has been posting the location of where all the 250 Markers are located. If you are interested in seeing where these marker sites are located already, just go to www.dar.org, and, under the tab ‘National Society’, you will find ‘Historic Preservation’ with ‘Historic Sites and Properties’ listed.

“I wanted to thank those of you who helped get this accomplished today – you know the saying ‘it takes a village’ – well, it did: The National Society DAR for affording us the opportunity to place this marker and for a Stars and Stripes Celebration Grant; The South Carolina State DAR for all their encouragement and monetary contribution; Old Stone Church and Cemetery Association for allowing this marker to be placed here today and especially to Mr. Curtis Arnold for his assistance and constant willingness to make sure it was placed in the proper location on the church’s grounds; the County of Pickens for its major contribution to the purchase of the marker and for providing their County employees to install it for us; the members of the Andrew Pickens DAR Chapter and my Fort Prince George DAR Chapter for their monetary contributions, as well as helping with this ceremony, including refreshments; and the members of the General Andrew Pickens SAR Chapter for their monetary contribution and especially to Mr. Eric Barnhill for his assistance in storing the marker and moving it here – way too heavy for our Daughters to handle.

“And thank all of you for attending today and showing your interest in our country’s history, in how it began and how it ended – winning our independence from the British.”

“As we gather today, let us honor our patriots whose sacrifice unwavered in the fight for America’s independence and continued freedom,” said  Nations. “Let us pay tribute and rejoice in the privilege of remembering the legacy they have built. We rejoice in the privilege of honoring their service to our country and pray that the memory of their lives will be an inspiration to us as we continue our own journey. As we prepare to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our country, let us dedicate, honor, and preserve the memory of the patriots who fought for liberty and shaped our nation. Old Stone Church, indeed, has a fascinating history deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of the American Revolutionary War heroes and heroines. General Andrew Pickens, a notable figure of the war, and his wife, Rebecca Calhoun Pickens, are an integral part of the narrative of this church.

“Colonel Robert Anderson’s presence adds another layer of significance to this site. His contribution to the Revolutionary cause likely echoed in the church’s walls, reminding visitors of the sacrifices made for this nation’s independence.

“The inclusion of Jane Walker, a courageous courier for General Thomas Sumter, adds a touch of heroism and intrigue to the story surrounding the Old Stone Church. Her role as a messenger during a time of upheaval and conflict underscores the vital role that women played in the Revolutionary War era. These individuals with their bravery and dedication have left an indelible mark on the history of Old Stone Church that has endured through the generations.

“Thank you for participating in this event as we work to instill pride in our patriot ancestors and demonstrate DAR’s legacy.

“To all who pause in this place, may this marker make effective the voice of the memorial,” said Nash. “In remembering the past, we honor the men and women who gave their lives for the preservation of our freedom and our future.”

Nations read from Deuteronomy 19:14 and then prayed. “We give you thanks, almighty and everlasting God, for the records of the past, which give inspiration and courage to our generation. We thank you for the lessons silently taught by memorials to events of distant years and to deeds of long ago. May we add our assurances to these, increasing their strength for generations yet to be. Amen.”

“Nothing is really ended until it is forgotten,” said Nash. “Whatever is kept in memory still endures. Therefore, we, the members of the South Carolina State Society, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, dedicate this marker in grateful recognition of the patriots who, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation. In remembering the past, we honor the men and women who gave their lives for the preservation of our freedom and our future. May this marker help us keep alive what is special of its history.”

Nations prayed, “May the blessings of God rest upon and abide here forevermore.”

Nations then recognized those who had brought wreaths in honor of the patriots and asked that representatives from the chapters come forward and pay tribute. These were: Andrew Pickens Chapter, South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution; Fort Prince George Chapter SCDAR; General Andrew Pickens Chapter, South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution, Anne Kilpatrick, District 1 Director, South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution; the Behethland Butler Chapter, South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution; Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Alabama Branch, Lucy Willis, Governor of the Alabama Branch; Upstate Branch, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims; and Cosette Harley, Snow Campaign Chapter, NSDAR, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina.

Nations then asked Bud Starnes, President of the General Andrew Pickens Chapter SAR, to ring a bell as names of Revolutionary War patriots buried at Old Stone Church were read: Robert Miller, John Garvin, General Andrew Pickens, Rebecca Flouride Calhoun Pickens, Alexander Ramsey, William Steele, Robert Anderson, Joseph Whitner, Jane (Jeanette) Lemant Walker, William Walker, Nicholas Bishop, George Reese, Rev. Thomas Reese, printer John Miller, David Lewis, and Thomas Ogier.

“In the name of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the South Carolina State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, we present this marker,” said Nash. “To all who pause in this place, may this marker make effective the voice of the memorial. May it remind all who see it of the nobility of a life well lived and quicken their response and acknowledgement of the ever-continuing call to unselfish service.”

Nations then gave the benediction. “We give thanks, gracious Lord, for many blessings granted us by your grace. May we continue to find inspiration and hope in the deeds and actions of those whose trust in you fortify their determination and secure freedom above all else. We dedicate this marker site to preserve a part of our heritage so that future generations can appreciate what has brought us to this day. May we go forth with praise for our great heritage and ask God’s continued blessings now and evermore. Amen.”

Refreshments were served following the ceremony.