Washington Street United Methodist Church facts for kids
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 |
The Washington Street United Methodist Church is a historic church located at 1401 Washington Street in Columbia, South Carolina. This beautiful building, with its classic Gothic Revival style, was constructed in 1872. Because of its long and important history, it was added to the National Register in 1970.
Contents
The Church's Long History
The story of this church began on December 15, 1803. A small group of Methodists in Columbia decided they needed a place to worship. They chose a spot on the corner of Washington and Marion streets, and a church has stood there ever since.
The First Churches
The very first church building was a simple wooden structure finished in 1804. It was the first church ever built in the city of Columbia. Because many other Methodist churches in the area started from this one, it is often called the “Mother Church” of Methodism in Columbia.
Famous church leaders like Bishop Francis Asbury helped guide the new congregation. One of its early pastors was William Capers, who later became a bishop. He is buried beneath the altar of the current church.
By 1831, the congregation had grown so much that they needed a bigger building. A new, larger brick church was built on the same spot.
Fire and Rebuilding
During the American Civil War, the brick church was destroyed by a fire on February 17, 1865. This happened when Union troops led by General William T. Sherman captured and burned much of Columbia.
After the war, the congregation built a small, temporary church in 1866 using bricks saved from the burned building. A pastor named William Martin traveled across the country to raise money to build a new, permanent church. Thanks to his efforts, the beautiful Gothic Revival church that stands today was finished and dedicated on June 20, 1875.
Architecture and Special Features
The church is known for its stunning architecture and meaningful details. It is designed in a style called Gothic Revival, which was popular in the 1800s and is known for its pointed arches and tall spires.
Stained-Glass Windows
The church has many beautiful stained-glass windows.
- A window with a cross and crown was placed above the pulpit in 1900 as a memorial to Reverend William Martin.
- Windows along the main sanctuary walls show scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. These were dedicated on Easter Sunday in 1914.
- Christ Chapel, added in 1959, also has windows that tell the story of Jesus's life. A special Rose Window on the back wall shows the "I am" sayings of Jesus from the Book of John in the Bible.
Music and the Organ
Music is a big part of the church's services. A large pipe organ, built by the famous E.M. Skinner company, is located in the choir loft. This amazing instrument was installed in 1922 and was refurbished in 2008 to keep its beautiful sound. The church also added a new Steinway grand piano to the sanctuary in 2007.
Gardens and Courtyards
The church has a peaceful courtyard that was renovated in 2003. It serves as a memorial garden where some of the church's earliest members are buried, with graves dating back to the 1800s.
One interesting tombstone in the garden belongs to William Maxwell Martin, the son of Reverend William Martin. The tombstone looks broken, but it was made that way on purpose to symbolize a life that ended too soon.
The garden also has special plants with historical connections. There is ivy from the home of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and boxwood plants from the home of President George Washington.
Serving the Community
For many years, the Washington Street United Methodist Church has worked to help others. In the 1980s, the church started a soup cellar to provide meals for homeless people in Columbia. It also opened a center for preschool children.
The church has two libraries to support learning. The Children's Library, opened in 2000, has over 1,200 books for kids. The McDonald Library has books on religion, history, and philosophy for adults.
The church also has an Archives and History Room to preserve its long history. It contains old documents, photos, and artifacts, like a chair that once belonged to Bishop William Capers.
