Brushy Creek Baptist Church
This phased renovation revitalized a historic congregation’s campus by creating welcoming spaces for connection, improving accessibility, and modernizing the worship space to support evolving ministry and community needs.
LOCATION Taylors, SC
COMPLETED 2016, 2025
SIZE 16,000 SF
PHOTOGRAPHER Inspiro 8 Studios, Jordan Powers
Creating Space for Community and Connection
Founded in 1794, the congregation sought to strengthen opportunities for fellowship and engagement through a significant expansion and renovation. At the heart of the project is an expansive new lobby that replaces a constrained gathering area with a spacious, inviting environment designed to support interaction before and after services and events.
The new lobby includes a reception area, coffee bar, and informal lounge seating that encourage conversation and provide flexible spaces for community gathering. The renovation also improved circulation and accessibility through the addition of a new stairwell and elevator, creating stronger connections between spaces and enhancing the overall experience for members and visitors.
A subsequent renovation further transformed the campus by reconfiguring the worship space to better support the church’s evolving needs while aligning with the character and appearance established through the earlier improvements.
Design Details
A primary goal of the renovation was to create a stronger architectural identity and a more welcoming sense of arrival. The previous façade conveyed a more institutional character, while the redesigned exterior presents a clear and recognizable church presence through a reimagined entrance and prominent cross that serves as a visual focal point for the campus.
Within the lobby, exposed custom wood trusses bring warmth and character to the space while supporting a clerestory that introduces natural light and emphasizes verticality. The combination of daylight, natural materials, and open sightlines creates a bright and inviting environment that encourages gathering and connection.
The later renovation modernized the worship space with upgraded audio, visual, and lighting systems that increase flexibility and support a variety of uses and room configurations. Color-changing accent lighting integrated along the walls allows the space to adapt to different events and activities, creating a dynamic environment while complementing the building’s refreshed architectural character.
Together, these improvements honor the congregation’s long history while creating flexible, welcoming spaces that support its continued growth and community engagement.