Why is Charleston Called The Holy City – Best Explanation
Charleston is one of the earliest cities in the American Colonies and has a long history with religion. You can tell this quickly whether you are coming into Charleston by car, plane, or boat. The city’s skyline is shaped by church steeples, spires, and other places of worship. This is the simple answer to, why is Charleston called The Holy City.
There is so much history and destruction that happened in Charleston’s past. It is amazing to see that so many of the iconic places to worship are still standing after all this time. Sprinkled in with the cobblestone streets, antebellum houses, historical locations, and palmetto trees, The Holy City is truly an American gem. Touring downtown will give you an up-close view to answer the question of why is Charleston called The Holy City.
Why is Charleston called The Holy City – Because of Religious Tolerance
When the colonies were founded by those escaping Europe from religious persecution, many towns popped up based around certain religious (mostly Christian) sects.
The Puritans mostly settled and spread throughout the New England colony area with the exception of Rhode Island. They led very strict religious lives. They were not very open to other ways of religion or other Christian beliefs, hence the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693.
The Quakers settled in Pennsylvania with their way of following the Christian God. The Catholics settled in Maryland until The Puritans took over the colony’s assembly. Presbyterians, Baptists, those of the Jewish faith, and many other religious groups settled in the colonies.
However, it does have to be mentioned that this was not always the way for everyone. Slaves from Africa and Native Americans were not allowed to worship their gods under this religious tolerance. For fear of an uprising, their religions were suppressed and conversion started to occur.
There was no predominant religion in the South Carolina Colony. There were three main groups that made up the majority of the colony, Anglicans, French Huguenots, and the dissenters from the Church of England. Charleston, known as Charles Towne, followed suit and even went further with it.
Charleston, which was founded in 1670, chose to be different. The city decided to be religiously tolerant. It promoted true freedom of religion to anyone from any faith and any type of Christian denomination. Hence answer the question of why is Charleston called The Holy City.
All of these different ways to worship in the colonies helped build the foundation of The Declaration of Independence. The pillars of the founding of the United States with freedom of religion.
Why is Charleston Called The Holy City – Most Popular Places to Worship
As you walk the streets of historic downtown Charleston, you will see a ton of places to worship. Over the years, Charleston has grown and has accepted more and more religions into The Holy City. You can find all types of Christian Churches, Jewish Synagogues, Muslim Mosques, Hindu Temples, and many other places of worship.
The religious places downtown that help create the skyline are also the most popular ones to visit. Take some time to stop in them and tour the grounds. The Holy City is very inviting to those who want to tour its buildings.
1. St. Michael’s Church
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is located at the corner of Meeting St and Broad St at what is known as the Four Corners of Law. The church was built in the 1750s by the order of the South Carolina Assembly and is the oldest religious structure in Charleston. This church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.
St Michael’s Church was originally affiliated with the Church of England but following the American Revolution, the church became an Episcopal Church. In fact, during his visit to Charleston, President George Washington sat and worshiped in pew no. 43.
The church has a two-story portico that faces Meeting St and was the first building in Colonial America to have one this large. Inside there are beautiful pieces of stained-glass windows to admire.
St. Michael’s Churchyard, also its graveyard, is the resting place of two signers of The United States Constitution, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and John Rutledge. It is truly amazing to be in a spot that holds so much pivotal history.
2. St. Phillip’s Church
St. Phillips Church is a National Historic Landmark that is located on Church St. This is arguably the most recognizable church in Charleston. The Church was built in 1835-1836 and opened in 1836. St. Phillips Church features an imposing tower that was designed in the Wren-Gibbs tradition.
St. Phillip’s is the oldest European-American religious congregation in South Carolina which established itself in 1681. The tower was used as the rear tower of range lighthouses that served to guide sailors into Charleston’s harbor. The front of the towers was stationed on Ft. Sumter.
The graveyard hosts a few famous American founding fathers, John C. Calhoun (the seventh vice-president of The United States), Charles Pinckney (US Senator, Governor of South Carolina, and Signer of The United States Constitution), and Edward Rutledge (Continental Congressman and Signer of The United States Declaration of Independence and Continental Association)
Take some time to walk around the cemetery to view some of the amazing figures that shaped The United States. The cemetery itself is a well-maintained and beautiful place. It is also part of the Gateway Walk in Charleston.
3. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim’s congregation was founded in 1749 and became the first American Reform Jewish practice located in The United States. The synagogue is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim translates to mean Holy Congregation House of God.
In 1824, 47 members of the congregation sent a petition to change the Sephardic Orthodox liturgy for change and was denied. This prompted the synagogue members to resign from the old congregation and organize “The Reformed Society of Israelites”. By doing this, Charleston became the birthplace of Reform Judaism in The United States.
The original synagogue building burned down in the great Charleston fire of 1838. It was rebuilt and replaced in the style of Greek Revival architecture. It was constructed by a member named David Lopez and with at least two enslaved artisans.
The building is a single-story building built out of brick and sits on a raised granite foundation. It has stained-glass windows that are replacements from the 1886 earthquake and show Jewish religious symbols. The interior follows the traditional look of Sephardic Orthodox synagogues.
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim is the second oldest synagogue building in America and the oldest that is still in use.
4. Circular Congregational Church
The Circular Congregational Church is located at 150 Meeting St and is a historic church. Circular Congregational Church was founded in 1681 and is one of the oldest continuously worshiping congregations in the southern part of The United States.
The congregation was founded by English Congregationalists, Scots Presbyterians, and French Huguenots of the original settlement of Charles Towne. Since the church was a haven for those looking to worship by any denomination, they often held meetings to speak of revolution. There was frequent speaking for religious and political freedom coming from the church.
The Circular Congregational Church did go through its hard times in history. The church was struck by a cannonball during the siege of Charleston in 1780. It was destroyed in the great Charleston fire of 1861. Soon after, The Civil War came through and took care of the rest of it.
The new building of the church started in 1890 and the current church is in the Romanesque style. This style is very different from any traditional Charleston architecture at the time. The Congregational Church combines the circle, which is the exterior plan, and the Greek Cross, which is the interior plan.
The circular part is resembling the former church that stood before the Civil War. It is a universal symbol of eternity and wholeness. The Greek Cross is the Christian symbol of death and resurrection.
Its graveyard is one of the oldest graveyards in Charleston and probably the oldest English burial ground in Charleston. The earliest unmarked grave is from 1695 with the earliest inscribed being 1729.
5. Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is located in downtown Charleston on Race St. This church’s history does not go as far back in history as the others, as it was founded in 1910. The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The original church is no longer standing, but the second one was completed in 1953 and is the current church. The design of the current church is in the traditional Byzantine style. The direction of this style was issued by Archbishop Michael of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity is a Byzantine masterpiece in the Western Hemisphere with a copper roof. Worship in the Greek Orthodox Church goes back to the ancient churches that the Apostles established.
6. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is located on Broad St and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston. This church opened in 1907 and was designed in the Gothic Revival style.
The first cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint John and Saint Finbar was built in 1854 but burned down during the Great Charleston fire in 1861. The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist was built on the foundations of the original cathedral. The cornerstone was laid in 1890 and the cathedral opened in 1907 for worship services. Completion of the church did not happen until 2010 with the addition of the steeple and bells.
Stained-glass windows by Franz Mayer & CO, neo-gothic architecture, and hand-painted Station of the Cross makes this church well known. There is a crypt in the lower section which holds Bishop England and four other Charleston bishops. Because of the lack of funding, the church’s spire was not completed. In 2010 the steeple and bells were finally built and put in to complete the church’s construction.
There are 4 chapels within The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Grace, and Saint John the Baptist Crypt Chapel. This is a beautiful church to see and spend some time enjoying the creative artwork.
7. Mother Emanuel AME Church
This church is The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church but often referred to as Mother Emanuel. It was founded in 1817 and is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the southern United States. Mother Emanuel is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
There were three main Methodist churches that African Americans belonged to in Charleston prior to 1817. At this time, the church was only allowed to be white-dominated and led by white people. There was a dispute when the white leaders wanted to build a building over a black burial ground. About 2,000 black members left the church and helped create the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The church was burned down in 1822 by an angry crowd of white residents. In 1834, Charleston which was run by white people outlawed all-black churches. This held up until after the conclusion of The Civil War. Mother Emanuel was not rebuilt until after the Civil War from 1865 to 1872. But this building was destroyed during the earthquake of 1886. The current church started construction in 1891 and was completed in 1892.
Mother Emanuel stands strong after so many hardships. In recent history, the church suffered another hardship. On June 17th, 2015, nine black church members were at a bible study in the church. They invited a white young man into the church to study with them. This man (I won’t say his name because he does not deserve it) opened fire and killed all nine members in a hate crime.
8. St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church
St. Mary of the Annunciation was established in 1789 and is the mother church of Catholicism in the Carolinas and Georgia. The church is located on Hasell Street and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Mary of the Annunciation is in its third building on the same site. The original building was used in the purchase of the property and served as the church until it was replaced by the second one. This one stood until the Great Charleston Fire of 1838.
St. Mary of the Annunciation’s third church, and the current one standing, was rebuilt in the Greek Revival style. The church was built quickly after the fire and opened up in 1839. It has a temple-style look and has 4 columns in the front of the church where the entrance is located.
Unlike many buildings in Charleston, St. Mary of the Annunciation did survive three natural disasters after the fire. It went on to survive the Charleston Earthquake of 1886 and two major hurricanes.
There is a large painting over the altar that depicts the Crucifixion that was painted in 1814. Twenty-three other pieces of artwork hang in the church and these works date from the years 1895 and 1896. Seeing the artwork is worth alone to stopping in the church to view it.
9. St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. John’s congregation started when Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg visited Charleston in 1742. Dr. Muhlenberg is the father of the Lutheran Church in America. He along with two Georgia Salzburg preachers started to preach and give the sacraments.
In 1755, Rev. John George Friederichs came and organized the congregation. The first services were held at The French Huguenot Church until the first Lutheran Church was completed in 1763.
In 1776, Pastor Martin, who was the Pastor at this time, was expelled by the British for refusing to lead prayers for the King. Rev. Christian Streit took over for Pastor Martin and served until 1780 when the British occupied Charleston. He was arrested for his criticism of the British. Rev. Streit is credited with introducing the first English sermons.
Over the 250 years, the church has seen many different people lead the congregation. St. John’s Church has stayed strong in preserving its mission in how the sermons are taught.
The church itself has gone through many different upgrades over its history.
St. Johns Lutheran Church has endured all that has been thrown at it, Revolutionary War, The Civil War, The Great Fire, and The Charleston Earthquake. Every time, it was able to be repaired and continued to serve its congregation.
10. The French Huguenot Church
The French Huguenot Church, also known as The French Protestant Church, is a Gothic Revival church located on Church St in historic downtown Charleston. The church was built in 1844, but the congregation traces its origins back to the 1680s. This church is actually the only independent Huguenot church in The United States.
The French Huguenot Church is designated a National Historic Landmark and is on the list for the National Register of Historic Places. This is a true beauty to see in Charleston.
The first thing that will stand out to you is that the church is pink. It is a stuccoed brink building with three bays wide and six bays long. Each bay is divided by buttresses topped by elaborate pinnacles.
In April 1680, 45 French Protestants arrived in Charleston and shortly built a church in 1687. They chose to build the church on the corner of Queen Street and Church Street, which is the same location that it stands today. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1796. There was a replacement that was built in 1800 but was dismantled in 1844 to make way for the current church.
The French Huguenot Church suffered shelling during the bombardment of Charleston during The Civil War. During the Charleston Earthquake of 1886, the church was nearly destroyed. But, the church was always built back to the one that we see today that stands proud.
Of course, all the services used to be in French but it no longer does services in French except one time per year.
11. First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church of Charleston was organized on September 25, 1682, and is the earliest Baptist church in the South. It was organized in Kittery, Maine, under the sponsorship of the First Baptist Church of Boston. In late 1696, Pastor William Screven and 28 members moved to Charleston to start.
The Baptists who moved to the colonies from the Old World joined the First Baptist Church of Charleston. When they did, the congregation numbered 98. The majority of these settlers came from Southern England and Scotland.
In late 1749, Oliver Hart, a minister from Philadelphia was put in charge of the church. He was able to bring together the three other Baptist churches of the colony and form the Charleston Baptist Association. This movement led to the founding of Furman University in 1826.
In 1822, a new church was built in the same spot. This is the church that stands today. The church is built in the Greek Revival style. First Baptist Church was damaged during The Civil War by multiple shelling. Then it had significant damage during the hurricane of 1885 and the Charleston Earthquake in 1886. Each time though, the congregation would come together and rebuild it back.
Before The Civil War, slaves were allowed in the church but had to stand in the balcony. The free members of the church got to worship on the main floor and in the pews. Once Emancipation happened, many freed members started their own congregations in the city, many of which are still standing today.
12. The Unitarian Church
The Unitarian Church is located in the historic district at 4 Archdale St. This church is the oldest Unitarian church in the south and the second oldest church building on the Charleston peninsula. The church was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
This church started in 1774 as an overflow control for the Circular Congregational Church. The Unitarian Church was completed in 1787. It was almost finished in 1776 when the Revolutionary War began but was put on hold.
In 1815, the first Unitarian Minister came to preach to the congregation. They did not say they were Unitarian but did separate from the Circular Congregational Church.
During The Civil War, the church was lucky to make it through the war with little damage. Also, unlike many other places, the Unitarian Church was not affected by the Great Fire in 1861. The entire top of the church was destroyed in 1886 by an earthquake. It was shortly restored to its look after the disaster.
The graveyard has a unique look and style. You will see that the paths are taken care of but the overgrowth of vines, shrubs, and trees is evident throughout the cemetery. The belief is that this is how the dead would want it, giving back to nature and letting it grow naturally. This look makes The Unitarian Church a unique visit and a beautiful one. The graveyard is part of the Charleston Gateway walk as well.
How Many Churches are in Charleston
So why is Charleston called The Holy City?
Charleston being The Holy City has a lot of churches and places of worship. There are over 400 churches in the Charleston city area. With the religious tolerance that Charleston established early, this became a religious haven for those looking to freely worship.
Charleston embraced freedom over the history of the city and was very inviting. With over 400 churches and places of worship, this is what makes Charleston, The Holy City.
How to Get Around Charleston
One of the best things about Charleston is that it is on a peninsula. The downtown area where these places of worship are easy to get to because of this. The easiest and best way to get around downtown Charleston is by walking. Charleston is a very walkable city that allows you the ability to see everything.
However if you do get worn out from all the walking or get too hot, Charleston has some great options for you.
- Horse and Carriage – There are a couple of companies in the city that will give tours of the historic area. Many of the tours will pass in front of many of these places to worship.
- Rickshaw – Rickshaws are available all over the downtown area and will take you to wherever you need to go in downtown Charleston.
- Rideshare – There are always plenty of drivers available throughout Charleston to get you where you need to be and want to visit.
If visiting Charleston and you are looking for a great place to stay to see these places, check out my places to stay page.
Why is Charleston Called The Holy City – Conclusion
As you can see, Charleston’s rich history of religious tolerance makes the city the perfect place for its name of The Holy City. Charleston still holds strong with having many different religious festivals throughout the year. The city is very open to all religions and cultures. When seeing all of this, the question of why is Charleston called The Holy City will be answered.
Enjoy touring around all the different places that make Charleston The Holy City. Many of these places of worship on this list are free and open for the public to tour. The only thing that The Holy City asks is that everyone is respectful to everyone else with their religious beliefs.
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