First Presbyterian Church (Columbia, South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Presbyterian Church
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The spire and front of First Presbyterian Church
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1324 Marion St, Columbia, South Carolina |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1853 |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000801 |
| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1971 |
The First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina is a very old and important church building. It was built in 1854 and is recognized as a special historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1971.
A Long History
The First Presbyterian Church started a long time ago. Its first meetings were in 1795. For many years, the church members met in different places. They met in the South Carolina State House and at South Carolina College. In 1813, the church finally got its own building. The state government officially recognized it as the "First Presbyterian Church of the Town of Columbia."
The Church's Land
The land where the church stands today was once a shared cemetery. It was used by both the Presbyterian and the local Episcopal groups from 1794 to 1813. The state government gave this land to be shared between them.
There is a local story about how the land was divided. It says that First Presbyterian and the nearby Trinity Episcopal Cathedral drew straws or lots. This was to decide which church would get which piece of land. First Presbyterian ended up with the cemetery. This land is at the corner of Lady and Marion Streets.
Building and Changes
The first church building from 1813 is still standing today. It is now known as Jackson Hall. A new, much larger church was built in 1853. This new building was designed in the English Gothic style.
During the American Civil War, the city of Columbia was burned. However, the church building was saved from the fires set by Sherman's army.
The church's tall spire, which was 180 feet high, was destroyed in a hurricane in 1875. It was rebuilt in 1888. Then, in 1910, a fire damaged the spire again. It was rebuilt to be eight feet taller than before.
In 1925, the church building was made even bigger. Its seating capacity grew from 800 people to 1,250. The building was made 40 feet longer. At this time, new classrooms were added to the sides. A choir loft was built at the back, and the organ area was updated. The architect for this big project was R. H. Hunt.
Church Leaders and Notable People
The First Presbyterian Church used to be part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. In 1983, it joined a different group called the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. The current pastor is Derek Thomas.
Many important people are buried in the church's cemetery. These include the parents of Woodrow Wilson, who became a U.S. President. Also buried there are Henry William de Saussure, an early director of the United States Mint, and Jonathan Maxcy, the first president of South Carolina College. Another notable person buried there is Martha Thomas Fitzgerald. She was the first woman elected in a general election to the South Carolina House of Representatives.
