GOVAN -- In 1824, Holland Nimmons McTyeire was born in Govan, a rural town in what is now southwestern Bamberg County. Who would have guessed he was destined to be someone who would have such an impact not only on his boyhood church, but also on the future of so many other young people?

Today, Salem United Methodist Church sits on the same land it has occupied since 1848, nestled in the country among century-old oak trees. And it was here that Holland McTyeire worshipped with his family and friends. Eventually, the church established a cemetery, which embraces not only family but also veterans dating back to the Civil War.

McTyeire was sent off, at the age of 14, to attend school, and years later would become bishop of the Methodist Church. His claim to fame came when he befriended Cornelius Vanderbilt and convinced him to give him $1 million to establish a college in Nashville. This college would later be named Vanderbilt University.

McTyeire never forgot his roots, and when in the vicinity of Salem UMC, he would stop by to preach and visit the cemetery.

Fast-forwarding to present day, a small group of worshippers at Salem UMC went to work to preserve the history of their church. Betty Everett, Virginia Morris and Govan Mayor Johnnie C. Ganus spearheaded a project to get a South Carolina historical marker placed at the church and cemetery. They enlisted the help of area historian Betty Jane Miller of Barnwell and Nancy Foster of the Historic Society of Bamberg County.

The process of getting the marker is a lengthy one and could take almost a year, Betty Everett said. Funding for the marker will come from the Hartzog Foundation.

"Our hope is to have the marker up and ready for a dedication during the church's homecoming event held the second Sunday in November," Everett said. "Family and ancestors of McTyeire will be invited as well as a speaker from Vanderbilt University."

No doubt McTyeire would be proud that the historical marker will serve as a way for passersby to stop and learn more about the church that helped establish his faith so many years ago and continues to serve those worshippers today.

Salem United Methodist Church and cemetery are at 144 Old Salem Road. Services are held at 11 a.m. on Sundays.

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T&D Correspondent Pam Leoniak-Delk can be reached by e-mail at paloma3@juno.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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