Pine Hill AME Church, located at 2258 Centerville Road, Latta, celebrated their 140th anniversary.
The church was founded in 1876 and has just recently been placed on the South Carolina Archives Register of Historic Places.
At the 11:00 service, the church was filled with present members, former members who have moved away and many people from other churches who came to witness the historic service.
There were several speakers on the program as well as some very inspiring songs from the choir and individuals.
The old Pine Hill School, which was built in 1915 and operated for many years, was well represented by alumni of former students who attended the school many years ago. The school was one of eighteen Rosenwald schools that were built in Dillon County for African-Americans by a grant from Julius Rosenwald, former President of Sears and Roebuck. Only two of these schools are left standing. The Pine Hill School burned in 1977.
A historic marker will be placed on Highway 34, just a short distance from the church and plans are being made for the members to also place a memorial at the church.
The Rev. Mamie E. Mitchell is pastor of the church.
