St. Philip's Church (Charleston, South Carolina) facts for kids
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St. Philip's Church
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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St. Philip's Church
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 142 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina |
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| Built | 1835-1836, building; steeple, 1848-1850 |
| Architect | Joseph Hyde, building; Edward Brickell White, steeple |
| Part of | Charleston Historic District (ID66000964) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001695 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHLDCP | October 9, 1960 |
St. Philip's Church is a very old and important church located at 142 Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina. It is known for its beautiful design. The church building was finished in 1836, and its tall steeple was added later, in 1850.
Experts describe it as a building of "highest quality and sophistication." It has an impressive tower that looks like designs by famous architects Christopher Wren and James Gibbs. The church also has three grand entrances with Tuscan columns. Because of its historical importance, St. Philip's Church was named a National Historic Landmark on November 7, 1973. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on the same day.
Contents
The Church's Long History
St. Philip's Church has a very long history. It is the oldest European-American church group in South Carolina. The church was first started in 1680.
Early Buildings and Fire
The very first St. Philip's Church was a wooden building. It was built between 1680 and 1681. This first church was located at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets. Today, St. Michael's Episcopal Church stands on that spot.
In 1710, a hurricane damaged the wooden church. So, a new St. Philip's Church was started a few blocks away on Church Street. This second church was finished in 1723. Sadly, it completely burned down in 1835.
Work on the church you see today began in the same year, 1835. It was finished quickly, by 1836. The tall steeple, which is a key part of its look, was added later, between 1848 and 1850.
Important Leaders of the Church
Many important people have been part of St. Philip's Church. One early leader was Reverend Thomas Frost. He became the church's rector (head priest) in 1785. This was after the American Revolutionary War. He helped the church find its new role after the Anglican church was no longer the official church in the United States. Reverend Frost passed away in 1804 when he was 46 years old.
His son, Reverend Thomas Downes Frost, also became an assistant minister at St. Philip's in 1815. However, he also died young, at age 26, in 1819.
Women Artists Connected to the Church
Two notable women artists were connected to St. Philip's Church. Henrietta Johnston was the wife of an early rector, Gideon Johnston. She became the first recorded female artist in the American colonies.
Another artist, Mary Roberts, was the first female American miniaturist. She was connected to the church and was buried there in 1761. Her burial is recorded in the church's old records.
The Church as a Lighthouse
For many years, the tower of St. Philip's Church had a special job. It served as a lighthouse! It was the back tower of a set of range lighthouses. These lights helped guide ships safely into Charleston's harbor. The front tower of this light system was on Fort Sumter.
The church's light was used from 1893 to 1915. It was even used again for a short time in 1921 when the main light needed repairs.
Recent History and Property Rights
In recent years, there have been discussions about the church's connection to different groups within the Anglican faith. On November 17, 2012, a meeting was held at the church. This meeting aimed to separate the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina from The Episcopal Church. This led to a disagreement over who owned the church building.
However, on August 17, 2022, the South Carolina Supreme Court made an important decision. The court said that six churches, including St. Philip's Church, could keep their properties. This was a big win for the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina.
Important People Buried Here
The graveyard at St. Philip's Church is the final resting place for many famous and important people from American history.
- John C. Calhoun: He was the seventh Vice-President of the United States.
- Christopher Gadsden: He was a signer of the Continental Association, an agreement made before the American Revolution.
- Charles Pinckney: He was a US Senator and Governor of South Carolina. He also signed the United States Constitution.
- Edward Rutledge: He was a member of the Continental Congress and a signer of both the United States Declaration of Independence and the Continental Association.
Images for kids
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The Alexander Christie House (around 1805) has been the church's rectory since 1908.
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The church's steeple has clocks on it.
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The inside of the church.
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The West Graveyard of St. Philip's Church.
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See also
