History :
The history of the Barnwell County Performing Arts Center is local historical drama. The building you see before you now was originally the first Presbyterian Church built in Barnwell and located on the site of the present church facing onto Franklin Street. Begun in 1840 and built of local heartpine, the first church services were held in 1845. Barnwell Presbyterian Church was completed in 1848 and dedicated in 1852 by the Charleston Presbytery. This building originally included a steeple bell tower and a wide front porch with full width steps going up to the porch. The balcony over the inside front entryway has always been accessed by the outside door located to the left of the front door and was reserved for the slaves of the church members.
During the Civil War in 1865 a division of General Sherman's army led by General Kilpatrick marched through Barnwell and destroyed many homes and community buildings. The Barnwell courthouse was burned and Kilpatrick set up his own official courthouse in this building in 1868 until 1880. In 1891 a terrible lightening storm caused damage to the steeple and it was never rebuilt - hence the building's present appearance.
Time passed through the turn of the century and two World Wars and the building resumed its use as a house of worship. By the early 1960's, it was evident to the congregation that there was a need for expansion and repairs to the church building. A committee was formed and in 1967 it was voted to build a new church. A group of concerned church members wanted to save this beautiful and historic building from demolition, so they formed the Barnwell County Historical Preservation Commission and under the leadership of Atty. Dick Jefferies, the building was placed on the National Historic Register. In 1967 the old church was moved to its present site facing onto Academy Street. A lot of volunteer restoration work was put into the building by a host of concerned and dedicated Barnwell citizens. A granite marker on the front lawn was dedicated to Dr. Jones, who donated a house and corner lot to the Historical Commission; the sale of which paid for the moving debt.
In 1974, the Circle Theatre, Inc., a community amateur play group, became tenant and caretaker of this beautiful landmark and added a stage, carpeting, and renovated theatre seats from the old movie theatre. The ambiance of the building is what contributes to the quality of the performances held here. A small stage and intimate seating envelopes the audience with a "homey" atmosphere. This small setting does not deter the exuberant stage crew. Productions such as "Show Boat", "Music Man" and "Camelot" have challenged the set designers and awed the audiences with creativity rivaling a Broadway Production.
