NORTH CHARLESTON — Beneath clearing skies after a rainy morning, Charleston Southern University (CSU) hosted an extraordinary gathering in front of Lightsey Chapel on April 2. The event centered around the opening of a 60-year-old time capsule, buried beneath the historic First Baptist Church of North Charleston. It was an occasion filled with mixed emotions—joy at reconnecting with old friends, and sorrow at the impending loss of a cherished community landmark.
Nearly 100 attendees, including cousins, siblings, godparents, and grandparents, stood together as the copper box was presented for opening. CSU President B. Keith Faulkner captured the heartwarming atmosphere of the gathering when he remarked, “This looks like a family reunion.” Indeed, it was no mere hyperbole, as the crowd exemplified deep intergenerational ties fostered by the church.
The First Baptist Church, located at 4217 Rivers Ave., has been a steadfast symbol of faith and community for decades. Its ties to CSU run especially deep; the church played a pivotal role in supporting the university during its early years under its previous name, Baptist College of Charleston. Faulkner emphasized this connection, saying, “First Baptist North Charleston housed us at the very beginning. They were there in our greatest time of need, in our greatest time of opportunity.”
Among those in attendance were alumni from the university’s formative years, including former North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey and his wife Deborah. The event also brought together individuals who had spent much of their lives intertwined with the church, reconnecting after decades apart. As Henry Harper, the church’s last chairman of deacons, presented the time capsule to CSU, the crowd stood in reverent anticipation.
The time capsule itself, a 6-by-18-inch copper box heavily patinated by the passage of time, was unearthed from its resting place beneath the church, where it had been buried in March 1960. Inside, the box contained documents and memorabilia—remnants of a community that had entrusted their legacy to future generations. While the exact contents remain to be cataloged and shared, their significance was immediately felt by those present.
For the attendees, the opening of the time capsule was much more than an unveiling of historical artifacts; it was a moment to celebrate the enduring spirit of the church and the bonds it had cultivated. Many took the opportunity to pray together, share memories, and reflect on how their lives had been shaped by their time at First Baptist Church.
The imminent demolition of the church marks a significant transition for its former congregation and the surrounding community. Yet, the day’s event brought a sense of closure and hope. It underscored the importance of preserving history—not just in the physical relics left behind but also in the stories, connections, and shared values passed down through generations.
As CSU embraces the future, the memories of the First Baptist Church and its role in fostering community and faith remain etched in the hearts of those who gathered on that day. The time capsule stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of a congregation united by faith and history, even as the physical structure that housed their memories prepares to fade from view. Through the relics uncovered and the relationships rekindled, the church’s legacy continues to inspire and endure.
