Basilica of St. Peter (Columbia, South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of St. Peter |
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The Basilica of St. Peter in 2009
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| Location | 1529 Assembly Street Columbia, South Carolina |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Basilica |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | NRHP |
| Designated | 1989 |
| Architect(s) | Frank Pierce Milburn |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | July 19, 1874 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Width | 79 ft (24.1 m) |
| Nave width | 64 ft (19.5 m) |
| Spire height | 163 ft (49.7 m) |
| Materials | Dark red brick with Bedford stone and terra cotta trim |
| Tenor bell weight | 3,500 lb (1,591 kg) |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Diocese of Charleston |
The Basilica of St. Peter, also known as St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, is a historic church in Columbia, South Carolina. It is home to the oldest Catholic parish in the Midlands region of South Carolina.
On June 24, 2018, the church received a special honor from the Vatican. It was given the title of ‘Minor Basilica.’ This made it the very first basilica in South Carolina. A basilica is a church that the Pope has recognized for its special historical and spiritual importance.
Because of its long history and beautiful architecture, St. Peter's was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This list recognizes important buildings and sites in the United States.
Contents
History of the Church
The First Building
The first Catholic priest to live in Columbia arrived in 1820. The community soon built its first church, which was finished in 1824. It was designed by a famous South Carolina architect named Robert Mills. This original church stood for many years but was torn down in the early 1900s to make way for a new, larger building.
A New Church for a New Century
The church we see today was designed by Frank Pierce Milburn, a well-known architect in the southern United States. A priest named Father Thomas J. Hegarty led the effort to plan and raise money for the new building. Construction began in 1906 and was finished two years later in 1908. The church was officially dedicated in January 1909.
Architectural Design
What Does It Look Like?
The Basilica of St. Peter is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style is known for its pointed arches, tall spires, and detailed decorations, inspired by the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages.
The church is made of dark red brick. It has trim made from a type of limestone called Bedford stone and a decorated clay material called terra cotta. The roof is covered with beautiful Buckingham Slate. The church's tall spire, which points to the sky, is topped with a cross and stands 163 feet (about 50 meters) high.
Impressive Size and Features
The church is designed in a cruciform shape, which means it looks like a cross from above. This is a common design for traditional churches. The main part of the church, called the nave, is very tall, reaching a height of 51 feet (about 16 meters). The entire building is 131 feet (40 meters) long and 79 feet (24 meters) wide.
One of the church's most amazing features is its huge bell. It was made in 1911 by the McShane Bell Foundry in Maryland. The bell weighs 3,500 pounds (about 1,591 kilograms), which is as heavy as a small car!
Behind the church, there is a historic graveyard where many of the parish's early members are buried.
External links
- St. Peter's website
