Our History

The Spartanburg, SC Chapter was the first BARBER SHOP HARMONY SOCIETY Chapter in South Carolina. It was organized on February 10, 1951. The "stem winder" of this first Chapter in Spartanburg was Hubert L . Rawlins.

This Chapter was sponsored by the Asheville, NC Chapter which was the largest Chapter in the Society at that time.

Unfortunately, the Chapter did not survive and turned in it's charter in 1953. John McClement was the first Music Director and Lonnie Jennings was the first President. The Chapter put on it first show on December 6, 1952 at the brand new Memorial Auditorium.

It was several years later when Warren T. Bowen moved to Spartanburg from Danville, Va. where he had been an active Barbershopper. Being without barbershopping was more than he could stand so he commuted to the Laurens County Chapter in Laurens, SC, and in 1964 helped license a new Chapter in Spartanburg sponsored by the Laurens County Chapter. Several Chapter members are still active. Warren was the first president of the new Chapter.  The Spartanburg Chapter officially chartered in November 1965. The Chapter has met every Tuesday night and presently meets at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Greer.

The first Music Director was Art Luther followed shortly by Tom Taylor and then Warren Bowen. The present Music Director is Dr. Don Campbell of Southern Wesleyan University. Dr. Campbell's specialty is in vocal music with 20 years experience in directing and coaching choruses and quartets within the Society.

The Spartanburg Chorus won the Dixie District Chorus competition in 1970 and is always striving to win once again the coveted competition. The Spartanburg "Palmetto Statesmen" Chorus ranks in the upper third of the society's 800 chapters. It's membership is 40 plus with men from every walk of life.

This a-cappella singing organization entertains for singing valentines, our annual show, competition, churches, companies, parties, etc.  Contacts can be made with one of our officers or quartets.