United Order of Tents Building Plaque

What secrets lie behind the United Order of Tents Building Plaque? This plaque marks more than just a building. It represents a legacy of resilience, sisterhood, and community activism. The United Order of Tents, a national secret society of Black Christian women, has a rich history intertwined with this site. Founded in 1867 in Norfolk, Virginia, by formerly enslaved women Harriet R. Taylor and Annetta M. Lane, The Order sought to empower and uplift Black women following emancipation. Their name, derived from the “tent of salvation,” speaks to their mission of providing shelter and support. The Charleston chapter, established in 1913, flourished for decades. By the 1950s, it boasted over 700 members across nine local “tents” or sub-chapters. These women spearheaded impactful community initiatives, from funding scholarships for local Black women to supporting the Jenkins Orphanage. In 1956, The Order acquired the circa-1856 Charleston single house at 73 Cannon Street. This building became their headquarters, hosting meetings, gatherings, and providing rental space for other community organizations like the Cannon Street YMCA and daycare centers. The building itself, a two-and-a-half-story wood-frame structure, underwent modifications to accommodate the Order’s growing programs. Piazzas were enclosed, and a side addition was constructed. The Charleston chapter’s membership peaked at over 1,800 in 1977, a testament to their influence. However, like many fraternal organizations, membership declined in the new millennium due to geographic dispersion and waning interest among younger generations. As resources dwindled, 73 Cannon Street fell into disrepair and was deemed uninhabitable by the City of Charleston in 2012. The United Order of Tents Building Plaque stands as a reminder of this organization’s unwavering commitment to their heritage and the leaders who purchased the building. The Order’s goal is to rehabilitate 73 Cannon Street and restore it to active community use, ensuring that their legacy continues to uplift and empower.