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<p>The story of South Carolina’s historic churches will be told by the author and photographer of “South Carolina’s Sacred Spaces” at Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Dinner &amp; A Lecture at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Verdier House, 801 Bay Street.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>More than 600 churches are featured in the 248-page book by Bill Fitzpatrick, which will be for sale at the lecture.</p>
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<p>Fitzpatrick provides a look at these sources of spiritual heritage and introduces the people who work to keep them from being lost to time. Many are in rural communities or in inner cities where dwindling populations are left to keep the congregations active.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Fitzpatrick has generously donated the publishing rights and proceeds from the sale of the book to Preservation South Carolina for the purposes of creating an Endangered Sacred Spaces Fund that will be utilized to provide grants to help slow deterioration and to offer resources to develop a future for the buildings, whatever that may be.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>“History is embedded in the timbers of these churches,” said Mike Bedenbaugh, Executive Director of Preservation South Carolina.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Dinner &amp; A Lecture is a monthly educational series, running from September to May, sponsored by Historic Beaufort Foundation.&nbsp; Reservations are necessary as seating is limited. A wine and hors d’oeuvre reception begins at 5:30, and the program is from 6-7 p.m.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Admission for members is $15 per member or $25 per couple. Non-member admission is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Call 843-379-3331 to make reservations. Reservations for Saltus River Grill’s special for lecture ticket-holders may be made by calling Saltus at 843-379-3474.</p>
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