Washington Street United Methodist Church facts for kids
The Washington Street United Methodist Church is a very old and important church located at 1401 Washington Street in Columbia, South Carolina. It was built in 1872 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 because of its historical value.
Quick facts for kids |
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Washington Street United Methodist Church
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1401 Washington St. Columbia, South Carolina |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1872 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000599 |
| Added to NRHP | December 18, 1970 |
Contents
A Long History: Building a Church Community
The story of Washington Street United Methodist Church began a long time ago. On December 15, 1803, a man named John Harper and a small group of Methodists in Columbia decided to build a church. They chose a spot at the corner of Washington and Marion streets.
The very first church building was finished in 1804. It was a simple wooden structure. This building was the first church ever built in Columbia. Many other Methodist churches in Columbia started from this one. Because of this, Washington Street Church is often called the "Mother Church" of Methodism in Columbia.
Early Leaders and Growth
John Harper, who helped start the church, was given his special church role by John Wesley. John Wesley was a very important leader in the Methodist movement. Another important leader, Bishop Francis Asbury, also helped guide the young church until he passed away in 1815.
In 1818, a young man named William Capers became the pastor of Washington Street Church. He served as pastor several times. In 1846, he became a bishop. Capers also helped start a special mission for enslaved people in 1829. He is buried under the altar of the church.
Rebuilding After a Fire
About 27 years after the first small church was built, more people wanted to attend services. So, a larger brick building was started in 1831 on the same spot.
However, this brick church was destroyed by fire on February 17-18, 1865. This happened when General William T. Sherman's troops captured and burned parts of Columbia during the Civil War. People say that the soldiers were looking for another church. But they were sent to Washington Street Church by mistake.
After the fire, a small, temporary church was built in 1866. It could seat 400 people and was made from bricks saved from the burned church.
A New Beginning: The Current Church
The Reverend William Martin, a former pastor, traveled far and wide to raise money for a new church. He went to cities like Philadelphia and New York. The fourth and current church building was designed in the Gothic Revival style. It was officially opened on June 20, 1875.
Church Design and Special Features
The Washington Street United Methodist Church has many beautiful and interesting features.
Stained-Glass Windows
Inside the church, you can see many stunning stained-glass windows.
- A window with a cross and crown honors Reverend William Martin. It was placed high above the pulpit in 1900.
- Another window shows Christ in the Temple. It is in the Leavitt Choir Room.
- Windows showing scenes from the life of Christ, but without human figures, line the walls of the main sanctuary. These were added in 1914.
- In Christ Chapel, the windows also show the life of Christ. The Rose Window has special sayings from the Book of John.
Music and Organs
Music is a very important part of services at the church.
- A large E.M. Skinner organ is in the choir loft. This organ was finished in February 1922.
- In 2007, a new Steinway grand piano was bought for the sanctuary.
- The E.M. Skinner organ was fixed up and rededicated in 2008. It was named the Ralph R. Rozier E.M. Skinner organ.
Adding More Space
Over the years, the church has added more buildings and spaces:
- A Sunday school building was added in 1928.
- In 1959, Christ Chapel, Threatt Fellowship Hall, and a kitchen were added. Christ Chapel was opened in 1960.
- The Christ Chapel courtyard was dedicated in 1998. It has special plants, including ivy from John Wesley's home!
Memorial Garden and History
The courtyard between the education building and the main church was updated in 2003. It is now a memorial garden. It has a special place for ashes and very old graves from the early 1800s.
- One tombstone belongs to William Maxwell Martin, who was the son of Rev. William Martin. Some people say he was the first person to die in the Civil War. His tombstone looks broken, but it was made that way to show he died very young.
- A small piece of stone on the wall is all that is left of a memorial tablet from 1857. It survived the fire of 1865.
Helping the Community
In the 1980s, the church started a "soup cellar" to help people who were homeless. They also started a Children's Development Center for preschoolers.
Libraries and Archives
The church has several places for learning and history:
- A Children's Library opened in 2000. It has over 1200 books for kids. A stained-glass window shows Jesus with children.
- The McDonald Library was moved in 2004. It has over 1500 books on religious topics.
- An improved History and Archives Room is on the third floor. It stores historical items in a special, temperature-controlled room. The church has won awards for its work in preserving history.
- A museum outside the Archives Room displays old items. One special item is a chair that once belonged to Bishop William Capers.
Church Leaders
Washington Street Church has been led by four bishops over the years: James O. Andrew, William Capers, A. Coke Smith, and J. O. Smith. The church's leaders and members have always worked hard to help others. They have been pioneers in Christian education, missions, and social service.
