South Carolina was decidedly pro slavery in the decades before the Civil War. However, what role did Christians play in the anti-slavery and pro slavery movement in 19th century South Carolina? Dr. Otis Pickett examines the nuance and complexity of the Presbyterian missions in South Carolina to African Americans and to Native Americans to consider the ways in which Christians supported both pro and anti- slavery. This work has broad implications for our understanding of South Carolina, integration, segregation and the church’s role in these struggles.

Dr. Otis W. Pickett is a historian of religion in the United States South focusing on domestic missions to enslaved African American and Native American communities in South Carolina. His research focuses on nineteenth century missionaries and the intersection of race, religion and ecclesiastical polity in southern Presbyterianism. Dr. Pickett is the third Clemson University Historian, serves in the Libraries as University Historian, is Chair of the Department of Historic Properties and is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning at Clemson University.