Today we’d like to introduce you to Celina Weems.
Hi Celina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thomas Watson and myself Celina Weems found this property while taking a ride through Pelzer. We wanted to make a difference in this sweet town of Pelzer so we bought the church in 2020, Our vision was for this beautiful church to become a wedding venue as well as a place people could still find peace and comfort. We were awarded the South Carolina Govender’s Preservation Honor Award for the state of South Carolina in 2023, and honored by Anderson County for our preservations to a historic building in 2024. It was in dryer need of some help for sure. The property had been sitting for a few years after the split between the Pelzer Presbyterian church and the Presbyterian church in Williamston, SC. This is the only original church left standing in Pelzer, SC. We wanted to restore this church to it glory, something Pelzer heritage and community would be proud of. The impact that this would provide for the community of Pelzer is the lost history of one of the biggest mills which provided this community with stability, work and resources. The church was built by Captain Smyth and Pelzer Mill in 1896.
The impact that this historic property holds to the town of Pelzer community and the state of South Carolina is that so many historic building that were built in Pelzer have been destroyed and no longer there. The community holds on to the legacy, heritage and importance that the Pelzer Presbyterian church stood for. A place to worship for so many that lived in the community and a place to lean on in good times and bad. And for the state to still recognize the history of the 1800’s. For a small community such as Pelzer it means a lot to the town and citizens that this historic property was restored to it’s glory by the grace of God. Citizens can now look at this historic property as something to be proud of, to talk about and visit instead of a vacant lot were it once sat. For us it was our pleasure to bring life back into the Pelzer Presbyterian Church for all to enjoy, talk about, visit and be proud of.
The degree of difficulty in restoring this property:
was in the details of the building. Floors needed to be repaired, ceiling coming down and cracked, bead broad was coming apart, smells needed to be addressed, painting of the whole interior, HVAC needed to be replaced along with some electrical issues. The bathroom floors rotten all the way through to the crawlspace, windows need to be fixed and others installed that we found in the crawlspace, separation of attic wood that invited squirrels and bats to live needed to be fixed and wildlife removed. Replacement of lighting from the 60’s back to original lighting found, repair of doors, banisters, removal of trash and forgotten items, and so mush more.
We use historic paint colors and trims with same materials to repair and bring beauty back into the property. We spend many hours with furnishing that had the same feel and textures as the original time period. We used everything we found in the church such as old bibles, books, pictures, toys, furniture from the upper mill as well as the lower mill to adore this property’s integrity. the preservation of the Pelzer Presbyterian Church lies within ourselves, our commitment to the town of Pelzer and the community.
Our degree of which the project serves as an example of outstanding commitment to historic preservation and exemplary preservation techniques: People that have come and toured the venue say it reminds them of a small Biltmore house.
It was our willingness and love for historic property from being destroyed or turned into a something not matching it beauty and tradition of what the building was built or stands for. The Town of Pelzer, and the Community of Pelzer can look at this historic property and be proud to call Pelzer home. We offer weddings, birthdays parties, memorial services, private parties ,and every life events you may have.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The most degree of difficulty of this project:
was that we did not qualify for any grants, loans, credits or any other funding for this project. We did it all without any resources. With hard work and resources we provided ourselves was the hardest part of this project.
The degree of difficulty in restoring this property:
was in the details of the building. Floors needed to be repaired, ceiling coming down and cracked, bead broad was coming apart, smells needed to be addressed, painting of the whole interior, HVAC needed to be replaced along with some electrical issues. The bathroom floors rotten all the way through to the crawlspace, windows need to be fixed and others installed that we found in the crawlspace, separation of attic wood that invited squirrels and bats to live needed to be fixed and wildlife removed. Replacement of lighting from the 60’s back to original lighting found, repair of doors, banisters, removal of trash and forgotten items, and so mush more.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lebby Street Wedding Chapel and Events Venue. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lebby Street Wedding Chapel and Events Venue is known for the period time Venue from the 1800’s. Full of historic charm and romantic atmosphere. You say “I’m getting Married” we say “Make Your Wedding Day Historic”. We offer classic cars for our couples to make their day even better. Elegant with sophisticated all with historic blend.
The Venue is available for Intimate weddings, elopement weddings and Mico weddings indoor/outdoor weddings ceremony options. You can say ‘I do’ in a setting that perfectly reflects your style and personality. indoor/outdoor receptions, baptisms, engagement shoots, bridal portraits, baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, or other special events.
lebbystweddings.com
Thomas Watson had a TV show “Carolina Band Stand” Shag & “Southern Gospel Showcase” for 10 years in Easley SC and works for ESPN sports as a camera man for more the 10 years.
Celina Weems worked for the city of Greenville as parking enforcement officer, co-owner of 2 Sisters Packing and is an artist.
What matters most to you?
We both feel that giving back to the community of Pelzer is a honor we don’t take lightly. We strive to make a difference in the people and the heritage of the forefathers visions and what they built, loved and lived for. Their hard work bringing people and community together for the greater good. With that, we are keeping a part of that history alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lebbystreetweddings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebbystweddingchapelandevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lebbystreetweddingchapelandevents
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lebby-street-wedding-chapel-and-events-pelzer
- Other: https://www.eventective.com/pelzer-sc/lebby-street.
