March 15th, 2015
It’s Sunday morning. It is quiet at home. I like it that way. The rain stopped last night. It is warm at the Delaware Beaches. It feels like Spring. I am almost out of coffee; not a good thing.
Sundays are just one of those days to put your feet up, read a book, or do nothing at all. Magical Sundays, I call them.
Visiting Historic Charleston, I still have a few posts to write. There are so many churches in Historic Charleston, close to each other, as well. Architecturally, they are wonders and have been able to withstand the test of time.
It does not matter what religious denomination you are. If you are visiting Historic Charleston stop by. They are sanctuaries and not just for Sundays. St Philip’s is a National Historic Landmark.
I stopped at St. Philip’s, located at 142 Church St., one block east of Meeting Street. Website? http://www.stphilipschurchsc.org. This church is considered the Mother Church of the Diocese of S.C. Est. 1670. It first was located where St. Michael’s Catholic Church stands today. The present building was built from 1835-1838, after the original building was completed in 1724 and a fire destroyed it in 1835.
This church distinguishes itself from others…porticos and columns reminiscing of Roman porticos. I believe its steeple is the tallest one in Historic Charleston.
Resting in peace in the Churchyard you will find the graves of John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War and V.P. of the U.S., Edward Rutledge, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Pinckney, signer of the Constitution, among other notables.
The docent on that particular day was so nice. She was like a grandmother. Softspoken, she spoke of the church so proudly. We talked for some time. And, not just about the church. Her personal life had taken her to Historic Charleston. Her kids behind her after she had been divorced….You see, everyone has a journey. A positive attitude is half the battle.
Have a great day!!
March 8th, 2015
It was gray in Charleston, raining too. But, taking off for a walk after we had just arrived on Monday was a must. Passing by St. Michael’s Church we were inspired by this building to go in. This is a National Historic Landmark. St. Michael’s Church is located at 71 Broad St. Tel. 843-723-0603. Website? http://www.stmichaelschurch.net. St. Michael’s Church is one of the few city churches in America that has retained its original design.
Steeples can be seen throughout the City of Charleston. Buildings cannot be built taller than the tallest steeple, which I believe is St. Philip’s Church.
I don’t know about you but regardless of my church affiliation, I do go and visit churches anywhere I find myself. And most of the time I drop something in the prayer request box. I feel I am all covered….having all pray for me.
Catholics were the last ones to arrive in Charleston, South Carolina. The building where St. Michael’s Church stands is the oldest church edifice in the City, dating to 1680. This was, originally, the site of the first Anglican Church south of Virginia. The church got too small for its congregation and then moved a few times. St. Philip’s…more on that church later on. The structured of the building has seen practically little change.
St. Michael’s Church is gorgeous and that day’s docent was so nice. Even with his disabilities he was able to tell us so much about the church. But, did not give him a break when he thought I was my cousin’s mother. Oh, he said….I see the resemblance. We laughed!!
From the photo above, you can take notice of the wood used….the pews are of native cedar and are pretty much the same as they have always been. The chandelier was ordered from London in 1803 and at the time it was lighted first with candles, then with gas and now it is electrified.
The altar is magnificent and it is also Victorian. The chancel rail is wrought iron and dates to 1772. It is considered a fine example of English hand work of the period. It was the first important piece of wrought iron to be imported to Charleston. And, the chairs were purchased by the Vestry in 1817.
The “Governor’s Pew” is No. 43. It is the one in which President George Washington worshipped on Sunday afternoon on May 8, 1791. General Robert E. Lee also worshipped in that pew some 70 years later. And, I believe, Lafayette also worshipped here, as well.
The organ was installed in 1768. St. Michael’s had one of the first choirs of surpliced boys in the country, going back as far as 1794. The surplice is a tunic of white linen or cotton fabric, reaching to the knees or ankles. It also has wide sleeves.
Most of the churches in Charleston have a cemetery attached to them. There are even tours that take you through these last resting places.
In this particular cemetery there are 2 signers of the U.S. Constitution buried; Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Presidential Candidate John Rutledge.
Have a great Sunday!!
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