News Summary
Radius Church has purchased the historic Boozer-Harmon House in Lexington for $1.3 million, marking a significant change in ownership since its 1830 construction. This acquisition reflects the church’s commitment to preserving local history while expanding its community presence. Established by politician Lemuel Boozer, the house carries substantial historical significance and will likely serve as a hub for community gatherings and activities.
Radius Church Acquires Historic Boozer-Harmon House in Lexington for $1.3 Million
Lexington, SC – Radius Church has acquired the historic Boozer-Harmon House for $1.3 million, marking the first time the property has changed hands outside the Boozer family since its construction in 1830. The transaction has been recorded in county property records, confirming the sale.
The Boozer-Harmon House is situated at 320 W. Main St. in downtown Lexington, occupying less than two acres of land. This historic site has significant ties to the area’s early political history, having been built by attorney and politician Lemuel Boozer, who served as South Carolina’s 53rd lieutenant governor in 1868. At the time of its construction, Lexington had a population of under 10,000 residents; today, that population has surged to over 300,000.
Noteworthy Historical Significance
Lemuel Boozer was known for his complex views on the Civil War era. Despite owning over 30 enslaved individuals prior to the conflict, he opposed secession. His son, Baylis Earle Boozer, was murdered in Lexington under circumstances believed to be connected to the family’s unionist stance. Following the Civil War, Boozer played a pivotal role in education by founding a school for freed children, which continued operations until 1929.
The Boozer-Harmon House has been associated with the Boozer family for nearly two centuries. After the passing of Rice B. Harmon, Jr. in August 2014, the property had remained vacant until its recent sale.
Plans for Preservation
Todd Carnes, a pastor at Radius Church and a member of the Lexington city council, has articulated the church’s intention to maintain the historical character of the Boozer-Harmon House. Radius Church operates under a mission of community engagement and education, and the acquisition aligns with their goals for future expansions in the area.
The Boozer-Harmon House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which, while not preventing demolition, does require review for any significant changes made to the property. This designation underlines the importance the local community places on preserving its historical landmarks.
Community Impact
Radius Church, which established its campus in downtown Lexington in 2010 and has been active in the area since 2003, has developed nine campuses throughout the Midlands. The recent acquisition of the Boozer-Harmon House reflects the church’s commitment not only to growth but also to honoring the local history and heritage of Lexington.
As Radius Church looks toward the future, the Boozer-Harmon House will likely play a critical role in community gatherings and church activities, helping to weave the fabric of history with contemporary community life.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The State: Radius Church Acquires Historic Boozer-Harmon House
- Wikipedia: Boozer-Harmon House
- Kentucky.com: Local News
- Google Search: Boozer-Harmon House
- Kansas City Star: Local News
- Google Scholar: Boozer Harmon House
- Lex 18: James Pepper’s Historic Name
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boozer Harmon
- WLTX: Local News
- Google News: Boozer Harmon House
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
