In an effort to raise awareness in our community about the Landrum Cemetery, this is the second article about the cemetery and its rich history.

Earliest records indicate that the cemetery was once the site of the Wolfe Creek Church.  The original Wolfe Creek Church was located on a tract of land near the old Daniel Cemetery near I-26. The church moved and held its first meeting of The First Baptist Church of Christ at Wolfe Creek on April 27, 1855. The cemetery was adjacent to the church.

In 1890, the church voted to build a new church at its current location and was renamed The First Baptist Church of Landrum in 1926. After the new church was built, the deacons of the church and other community members deeded the old church property to Landrum High School and in 1913, the cemetery land was deeded to the “City of Landrum and its successors forever.”

In 1990, the cemetery was transferred to the Landrum Cemetery Perpetual Care Association managed by Baker Gibson, which continues its upkeep today.

For many years, the cemetery fell into a state of complete unkempt disrepair. A small group of people associated with the Landrum Civic League contacted people throughout the community for donations to help with the upkeep. The original committee consisted of Baker and Harriet Gibson, Floyd Daniel, Mary Jane Christopher, Mildred Petty, Virle Jenkins, Helen Bridges, Barham Thomson, Helen Andrews, Bob and Mary Lou Burch, Henry Lee and Alice Brackett.

This group had the foresight to transfer their funds to the Spartanburg County Foundation which manages and invests the funds to ensure maximum return on the investment.

In the past, there were volunteers and various organizations that helped with the maintenance at the cemetery. And while several plots are still maintained by the families that own them, many of the families have moved out of the area. Much maintenance is still needed to cut the grass, trim trees and clear debris. As the town grows and continues to attract people to the area, it is imperative that this historical treasure and gateway to the town be maintained and kept.

Current members of the Landrum Cemetery Perpetual Care Association are Butch Morgan, Rita Landrum, Anita Briggs, Bob Briggs and Jay Boatwright.

All maintenance and general care is covered solely by funds donated to the association. The Landrum Cemetery fund is in need of donations from the citizens of the Landrum area to continue its care and upkeep. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Spartanburg County Foundation at 424 East Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Contributions should be clearly marked for the Landrum Cemetery Fund.

– article submitted
by Nancy Boatwright