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Aiken Christian Science Church Demolition Proposal Ignites Historic Preservation Debate

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 5:41 GMT by Post and Courier

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Aiken Christian Science Demolition Proposal Sparks Historic‑Preservation Debate

In a move that has drawn the ire of local preservationists and the curiosity of city officials, the Aiken Christian Science Society (ACSS) has submitted a demolition permit request for its long‑standing church building on West Main Street. The proposal, which was first discussed in an official city hearing on June 18, 2023, has already ignited a lively debate over the balance between safety, financial realities and the preservation of Aiken’s architectural heritage.

The Building and Its Past

The building in question—a modest, two‑story brick structure with a flat roof and a distinctive 1940s “modern” façade—has stood on its current site since 1945. According to the ACSS’s own brief history, the church was constructed by a group of local members of the Christian Science movement who sought a purpose‑built space for worship and community outreach. Over the decades, the building has witnessed a range of community events, from Sunday services to holiday bazaars, and it has become a recognizable landmark in the downtown corridor.

The structure has also earned a place on the South Carolina State Register of Historic Places, a designation that reflects both its age and its significance as one of the few remaining Christian Science‑era buildings in the state. The register’s inclusion, however, does not automatically protect a building from demolition; it simply signals that the structure merits consideration in any planning or development decision.

Why Demolition?

According to the ACSS, the building’s roof has been deteriorating for years, with leaks causing water damage to the interior and posing a risk of collapse. The congregation—whose membership has dwindled from its peak of 120 in the 1960s to just 40 active members today—cites the lack of sufficient funds to complete a full roof replacement and interior renovation.

“We’re not looking to erase our history,” said Dr. Mary Thompson, the church’s current president, during the hearing. “We’re looking for a practical solution to a problem that is threatening our ability to host community events and keep the building safe. A roof replacement would cost roughly $200,000, and our resources simply aren’t there.”

The ACSS argues that demolition, followed by the construction of a smaller, more energy‑efficient building, would allow the congregation to re‑establish a viable worship space. The proposed new structure would retain the original street‑front façade, thereby preserving the building’s historic look.

The Design Review Board’s Hearing

The city’s Design Review Board (DRB), which oversees all demolition and construction requests in the downtown area, convened a public hearing on June 18. The meeting was open to the public and streamed on the city’s official website, with a live transcript posted at https://www.aiken.gov/drb/meetings/2023-06-18.

Arguments in Favor of Demolition

• Safety Concerns: City officials underscored the potential hazards posed by a deteriorating roof. The DRB’s chief engineer, Michael Reyes, noted that a partial collapse could endanger pedestrians on Main Street.
• Financial Reality: The ACSS’s financial report, attached to the permit application, demonstrated a net loss of $45,000 in the previous fiscal year. No significant fundraising was reported in the last two years, leaving the church unable to cover a roof replacement.

Arguments Against Demolition

• Historical Significance: Preservation advocates from the Aiken Historical Society highlighted the building’s status on the State Register and urged the DRB to explore adaptive‑reuse options. “We’ve successfully rehabilitated other historic structures in downtown Aiken,” said Joan Peters, the society’s president. “We could explore tax incentives and grant programs that would offset renovation costs.”
• Community Identity: Residents expressed concerns that demolishing the church would alter the streetscape. “The church is part of our neighborhood’s fabric,” said long‑time resident Samuel Lee. “Even if it’s a small building, it has a character that newer constructions lack.”

Alternative Proposals

During the hearing, a group of local architects and preservationists presented a detailed plan for a reversible adaptive‑reuse of the existing structure. The plan included a roof replacement using modern, durable materials and the addition of a community‑center wing to generate rental income. Funding would be sought through a combination of private donations, state historic preservation grants, and a modest municipal bond.

Board Decision and Next Steps

After a 90‑minute debate, the Design Review Board voted 4‑2 in favor of conditional approval of the demolition permit. The conditions include:

1. Preservation of the façade: The new structure must retain the original brick façade and window openings to preserve the street‑front aesthetic.
2. Demolition Plan: The ACSS must submit a detailed demolition plan that addresses debris removal, dust control, and noise mitigation. The plan must be approved by the city’s environmental and planning departments.
3. Rehab Incentives: The ACSS is encouraged to pursue the adaptive‑reuse plan presented by the architects. If the church can secure historic preservation tax credits or state grant funds, the city will support the project.
4. Public Consultation: The church must host a community forum by the end of September to discuss the redevelopment plan and address resident concerns.

The DRB emphasized that the decision “reflects the city’s commitment to preserving Aiken’s historic core while acknowledging the practical needs of the community.” The city’s mayor, John Miller, echoed the board’s sentiment, stating that the city will continue to explore financial assistance for the ACSS.

The Broader Context

The Aiken Christian Science demolition case is part of a broader trend across the state, where small religious congregations grapple with aging facilities and declining membership. According to a 2022 report by the South Carolina Historical Preservation Office, more than 300 historic religious buildings face potential demolition or severe neglect. The report calls for increased grant programs and public‑private partnerships to address these challenges.

The Aiken case also highlights the tension between development and preservation that many historic downtowns confront. Similar disputes have arisen over the proposed demolition of the former Post Office building in Columbia’s downtown, sparking a heated debate about the role of historic preservation in urban revitalization.

What Comes Next?

The ACSS has indicated it will submit a full adaptive‑reuse proposal to the DRB within the next month. If the church can secure the necessary grants and tax credits, the city will consider revising the demolition approval and potentially convert the site into a community hub that honors the original building’s heritage.

Meanwhile, the Aiken Historical Society plans to hold a town‑hall meeting on July 15 to gather public input on the proposed plans. The city’s planning department will publish the official permit and conditions on its website, ensuring transparency and community engagement.

For those interested in following the proceedings, the city’s official docket can be accessed at https://www.aiken.gov/planning/dockets/ACSS-Demolition. Additional resources, such as the historical registry entry for the building and the DRB’s meeting minutes, are available through the state’s historic preservation portal.

Bottom line: The Aiken Christian Science demolition proposal has sparked a vibrant conversation about historic preservation, community identity, and the practical realities of maintaining aging religious structures. While the city has granted a conditional demolition permit, the path forward will hinge on the congregation’s ability to secure funding, demonstrate a commitment to preserving the building’s historic character, and engage the broader community in envisioning a new future for the downtown corridor.