This chapter describes the critical turning point of the Liberia community: the burning by arson of the old Soapstone Baptist Church and its reconstruction during the height of desegregation in South Carolina. By using eyewitness accounts, resident memories, and newspaper descriptions, the story of the church burning and the community’s rallying of white and black support is documented. Within a year, the church is rebuilt, primarily through the efforts of a now-deceased matriarch. Her role as a community “othermother” (informal leader) is also discussed.
