St. Philip's Church: Charleston's Oldest Congregation

Gaze up at the iconic white steeple and grand porticoes of St. Philip's Church, marking the site of South Carolina's oldest congregation. Established in 1680, this National Historic Landmark is an enduring symbol of Charleston's resilience and historical continuity, having witnessed colonial expansion, wars, fires, and natural disasters.

A History of Three Churches

The current structure is the third to house the St. Philip's congregation, the oldest Anglican congregation south of Virginia. The first, a small wooden church, was built in 1681 on the site where St. Michael's Church now stands. A second, larger brick church was completed by 1723 at the present location on Church Street. This building was tragically destroyed by a fire in 1835.

The present-day church was constructed between 1835 and 1838 to a Greek Revival and Georgian design by architect Joseph Hyde. Its famous steeple, designed by Edward Brickell White in the Wren-Gibbs tradition, was added between 1848 and 1850. The steeple's prominence led to a unique feature in Charleston's cityscape; when the city sought to widen Church Street, the church vestry argued the steeple was "more ornamental than a mere street," resulting in the road curving around the tower.

A Witness to History

The church has played a significant role throughout Charleston's past. The second building was partially financed through duties on rum and enslaved Africans. In 1796, an enslaved man saved that same church from a fire by tearing burning shingles from the roof, an act for which he was granted his freedom.

During the Civil War, Confederate forces painted the steeple black to make it less of a target for Union artillery. The church also contributed its bells to the war effort, which were melted down to make cannon. The building sustained damage during the bombardment of Charleston and was later impacted by the 1886 earthquake. For over two decades, from 1893 to 1915, the steeple served a practical purpose as a navigational beacon, guiding ships into Charleston Harbor.

Historic Graveyards

St. Philip's graveyards are the final resting place for numerous figures of local and national importance. Among them is John C. Calhoun, a U.S. Vice President. During the Civil War, his remains were secretly moved to an unmarked grave to prevent desecration by Union troops, only to be returned after the war.

Other notable figures include Edward Rutledge, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence; Charles Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution; Colonel William Rhett, a colonial naval hero known for capturing the pirate Stede Bonnet; and Henrietta Johnston, the wife of an early rector who is recognized as the first recorded female artist in the American colonies.

The Church Today

St. Philip's Church remains an active parish in the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. The sanctuary is generally open to visitors Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., though hours are subject to change for services and events. The church and its historic graveyards are a frequent highlight of Charleston's walking tours, offering a tangible connection to the city's deep history.