Have you ever wondered about the architecture styles or history of the old Charleston churches? I created a list of my top five favorite churches in Charleston, South Carolina for my First Year Experience class. My class visited ten historic Churches and our assignment was to pick and research our top five favorites.
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| First Scots Presbyterian Church |
#5- First Scots Presbyterian Church
The First Scots Presbyterian Church is number five on my list. This Presbyterian Church was built in 1814, but the congregation of First Scots dates to 1731. It was designed by Benjamin Latrobe, the same architect that designed the United States capital, according to the National Park Service. The National Park Service website also says that the Churches' walls are made of brick and are three feet thick and covered with stucco.
This church is one of my top five because I like how symmetrical it is and I also like all the different types of stained glass windows it has. The National Park Service Website says, "Reflecting the heritage of the congregation, the seal of the Church of Scotland is displayed in the stained glass window over the main entrance." I think that the windows give the church a unique and interesting look.
The First Scots Presbyterian Church is number five on my list. This Presbyterian Church was built in 1814, but the congregation of First Scots dates to 1731. It was designed by Benjamin Latrobe, the same architect that designed the United States capital, according to the National Park Service. The National Park Service website also says that the Churches' walls are made of brick and are three feet thick and covered with stucco.
This church is one of my top five because I like how symmetrical it is and I also like all the different types of stained glass windows it has. The National Park Service Website says, "Reflecting the heritage of the congregation, the seal of the Church of Scotland is displayed in the stained glass window over the main entrance." I think that the windows give the church a unique and interesting look.
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| French Huguenot Church |
#4- French Huguenot Church
The fourth church on my list is the French Huguenot Church, which is the only remaining independent Huguenot Church in America. The original church was built in 1687, however, was destroyed during a fire (French Huguenot Church website). The church that is there today was constructed in1845 and was the first building of this style constructed in Charleton, according to, SC Picture Project. Its style is called Gothic Revival and this church is also built with brick and covered with stucco (SC Picture Project).
What I find interesting about this church is that it has a slight, pink tint to it. Due to structural damage, the church underwent a renovation in 2013, and part of the project was changing the white exterior to pink (SC Picture Project). I also find the architecture of this church interesting, I like how everything goes to a point. The door, windows, steeples, and even the fence is all pointed. There are also mini, pointed steeples the align the sides of the church. This church is on my list because of how much detail it has to it and its' unique color.
The fourth church on my list is the French Huguenot Church, which is the only remaining independent Huguenot Church in America. The original church was built in 1687, however, was destroyed during a fire (French Huguenot Church website). The church that is there today was constructed in1845 and was the first building of this style constructed in Charleton, according to, SC Picture Project. Its style is called Gothic Revival and this church is also built with brick and covered with stucco (SC Picture Project).
What I find interesting about this church is that it has a slight, pink tint to it. Due to structural damage, the church underwent a renovation in 2013, and part of the project was changing the white exterior to pink (SC Picture Project). I also find the architecture of this church interesting, I like how everything goes to a point. The door, windows, steeples, and even the fence is all pointed. There are also mini, pointed steeples the align the sides of the church. This church is on my list because of how much detail it has to it and its' unique color.
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| French Huguenot Church |
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| St. Michael's Episcopal Church |
#3- St. Michael's Episcopal Church
Next on my list, at number three, is one of the most iconic churches in Charleston. St. Michael's Episcopal Church is the oldest church edifice in Charleston and was the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia. The Church was built in 1752 and little has been changed since then, according to the Church's website.
The architect is unknown but the type of architecture follows the tradition of Sir Christopher Wren, generally used during the colonial period (St. Michael's Website). I also think it is interesting that it is one of the few city churches in America that has kept its original design. The church's clock and the ring of eight bells were imported from England in 1764, according to their website. I found it interesting that it is thought to be the oldest functioning colonial tower clock in the country. St. Michael's made my list because it is so classic but so grand and beautiful too.
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| St. Michael's Episcopal Church |
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| St. Philip's Church |
#2- St. Philip's Church
St. Philip's Church, another iconic Charleston church, is number two on my list. St. Philip's is an Anglican church that was founded in 1680 and is the oldest congregation in the United States south of Virginia. The church that is standing there today is the third church of the congregation and was completed in 1838, according to SC Picture Project. The website also says that the building, without the steeple, was designed by Joseph Hyde and is made with stuccoed brick. Ironically, the first edifice of St. Philip's Church stands where St. Michael's Church is today. According to Wikipedia, the Church's steeple was added between 1848 and 1850.
St. Philip's architectural style is similar to St. Michael's however, standing next to this church is truly breathtaking, its size and architecture will blow you away. That is why it is so high on my list. I also love being able to see this steeple from almost anywhere in Charleston, it is beautiful from every angle.
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| Circular Congregational Church |
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| Circular Congregational Church |
#1- Circular Congregational Church
Number one on my list is the Circular Congregational Church. This church made my number one spot because of how unique it is and how different it looks from all of the other churches we saw. I love its one of a kind shape and how its brick is exposed.
The church was founded in 1681 and the present sanctuary was finished being built in 1892. It is apart of two denominations, the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church. The meeting house was the first church built on this site, giving Meeting St. its name. The church there today was inspired by Henry Hobart Richardson and designed by Stephenson and Greene of New York City.
Number one on my list is the Circular Congregational Church. This church made my number one spot because of how unique it is and how different it looks from all of the other churches we saw. I love its one of a kind shape and how its brick is exposed.
The church was founded in 1681 and the present sanctuary was finished being built in 1892. It is apart of two denominations, the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church. The meeting house was the first church built on this site, giving Meeting St. its name. The church there today was inspired by Henry Hobart Richardson and designed by Stephenson and Greene of New York City.
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