St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church (Charleston, South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church |
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St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Catholic Church |
| District | Diocese of Charleston |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Parish |
| Leadership | Rev. Father H. Gregory West, JCL, Pastor
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| Location | |
| Location | 93 Hasell St. Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Greek |
| Completed | 1839 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 350 |
| Length | 84 ft (25.6 m) |
| Width | 50 ft (15.2 m) |
| Materials | Stucco over brick |
| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1976 |
| NRHP Reference no. | 76001697 |
| Website | |
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St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church is a historic Catholic church located in Charleston, South Carolina. It holds a special place in history because it was the very first Catholic parish (a local church community) established in the areas of Carolinas and Georgia. The church building you see today at 93 Hasell Street is actually the third one built on this same spot for the congregation.
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The Church's Early History
The story of St. Mary's Church began in 1789. That year, the church bought the land and an old building. In 1791, the South Carolina General Assembly officially recognized it as the Catholic church in Charleston.
From Fire to Rebuilding: A New Beginning
The first church building was later replaced by a brick church. Sadly, this brick church was destroyed in a big fire that swept through Charleston in 1838. But the community didn't give up! They quickly rebuilt the church. The new building opened its doors on June 9, 1839, just a year after the fire.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The church is a rectangular building, measuring about 84 feet (25.6 meters) long and 50 feet (15.2 meters) wide. It's made of brick, but the outside is covered with a smooth finish called stucco.
The front of the church features four large Doric columns. These columns support a big, decorative structure above them called an entablature. A wall at the very top of the church, called a parapet wall, was likely added around 1896. Inside, you can admire beautiful stained glass windows that were brought all the way from Munich, Germany.
Inside the Church: Art and Design
The main part of the church, called the nave, has a central aisle. On either side of this aisle are two long rows of pews (church benches). There are also smaller pews along the side aisles.
Above the altar (the table where religious services are held), there is a famous painting of the Crucifixion. This painting was created by an artist named John S. Cogdell. He generously donated this painting to replace an earlier one he had made in 1814, which was lost in the 1838 fire. Much of the church's interior was updated during a three-month renovation project in 1884. The church also has a graveyard located on both sides and behind the building.
St. Mary's and Charleston Place
In the early 1980s, a large complex called Charleston Place was built right next to the church. This new development surrounded the church on all sides. St. Mary's Church was the only building on that entire block that was saved and kept standing. A few storefronts facing Meeting Street were also kept and became part of the parking structure for Charleston Place.
A Recognized Historic Site
St. Mary's Church is an important historical landmark. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized for its historical and architectural importance. Its special number on the register is 76001697. You can find more pictures and information about the church from the Historic American Buildings Survey at the Library of Congress.
