St. Michael’s Church opened its doors in 1761 and ever since has been the premier landmark in Charleston, South Carolina for locals and visitors alike. The iconic colonial church has witnessed some of the most historic moments in American history, to include the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to name a few. Today, the active church continues to serve the people and provides a unique glimpse into our past.
History
As early as 1680, a small wooden church occupied the corner site where St. Michael’s currently stands. This structure served as a church for the people of Charles Town and was then known as St. Phillip’s; however, as the faith community in Charles Town grew, a larger structure was needed.
The cornerstone for St. Michael’s was laid in 1752 and after nearly nine years of construction, the church opened its doors for services in 1761 (interestingly, the architect of the church is unknown). As revolutionary fervor swept over the British colonies throughout the 1760s, St. Michael’s Church served as a steady symbol of the role faith played in many colonist’s lives.
After the Revolutionary War and the establishment of the American Republic under the U.S. Constitution, President George Washington made a southern tour of the states. In May 1791, President Washington visited Charleston to see many of the late war’s battlefields and the city’s landmarks. This included St. Michael’s Church, where Washington worshipped and even climbed up to the top of the steeple, which offered unparalleled views of Charleston and the surrounding landscape.
It was on a Sunday afternoon on May 8, 1791, when President Washington worshipped at St. Michael’s Church. He was seated in pew box number 43, a double pew located in the center of church, then known as the “Governor’s Pew.” This was the same pew box that Robert E. Lee worshipped in 1861, making it one historic spot!
In 1803, St. Michael’s Church ordered a chandelier from London, which was then lighted by wax candles. Since then, the chandelier and other interior lighting was transformed to gas and are now electric. A few decades later, St. Michael’s existence was threatened by a destructive civil war. Despite a Federal bombardment of Charleston during the war, which led to minor damage to the structure, St. Michael’s Church thankfully survived and thrived (damage can be seen near the base of the pulpit today). In 1892, a Victorian-style altar was installed and at the turn of the century, Tiffany created decorations for the chancel. Beautiful stain-glassed windows were installed along the north aisle in 1897 and 1908.
Today, St. Michael’s Church serves as an active faith community and a cherished historic site, which boasts an original pulpit and likely the oldest functioning colonial-era clock tower in all of the United States.
Interesting Facts
- The city of Charles Town changed its name to Charleston on August 13, 1783, when it was incorporated by an act of the state legislature (although the exact reason for the name change is unknown)
- The current structure of St. Michael’s Church is nearly unchanged since it opened in 1761, aside from a sacristy that was added to the building in the 1880s
- The steeple of St. Michael’s Church is 186 feet tall. In that steeple are the church’s bells, which were first cast in England in 1764, were brought to England after the revolution as prizes of war. Remarkably, they were returned to Charleston, recast in 1838 and 1866, and rung by hand until 1946
Our Visit & Recommendations
St. Michael’s Church (71 Broad Street, Charleston, SC) cannot be missed if you are walking the streets of Charleston- its sparkling white steeple towers above all else in the city and seemingly draws visitors in. If you are visiting St. Michael’s Church (or Charleston in general) there is metered street parking nearby or a number of parking garages. Being an active parish, the church and cemetery are generally open for visitors daily (for no fee), with the exception of Friday and Saturday when it is closed.
We had just finished brunch at a nearby restaurant called “Eli’s Table,” which has outstanding bloody marys, chicken and waffles, and all-around great food (highly recommended if your looking for a brunch spot!). The church is located at the intersection of Meeting and Broad Streets, known famously as the “Four Corners of Law.” The intersection is so named because each street corner is occupied by a building associated with religion/ecclesiastical law (St. Michael’s Church), local law (Charleston City Hall), state law (Charleston County Courthouse), and federal law (U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse).
The interior of the church is as historic and elegant as one would expect for an over 250-year-old structure. There is no fee to enter the church and you are welcome to walk around; however, it is an active parish and one should maintain silence and respect when visiting.
A favorite spot for visitors in pew no. 43, located on the left side of the center aisle just prior to the pulpit (look for the pew numbers painted on the side of each box). In this box pew once sat President George Washington and Robert E. Lee, who worshipped at the church in 1791 and 1861 respectively. It is easy to see why this pew was offered to those who were considered important, because it is in close proximity to the pulpit and has an unobstructed view of the altar.
Along the walls of the church’s interior are stone memorials to some of the more well-known parishioners of St. Michael’s Church. This includes the Reverend Nathaniel Bowen and of course, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. It is well-worth the time to walk about and read these memorials and learn about some of the church’s early parishioners and contributors.
After exploring the interior of the St. Michael’s Church, be sure to walk through the cemetery, which is the final resting place for some of America’s most famous founding fathers. This includes Major General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and John Rutledge.
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, born February 25, 1746 in Charleston, was one of the most important leaders from the southern colonies during the revolutionary period and early Republic. Pinckney served as a member of the Provincial Assembly, the District Attorney General for South Carolina, member of the Provincial Congress, a Major General in the Continental Army (to include being a Prisoner of War from 1780-1782), a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and perhaps most famously, a signatory to the United States Constitution.
John Rutledge, born born in 1739, served as the first President and first Governor of South Carolina, a Chief Justice of the state, Chief Justice of the United States, and was a signatory of the U.S. Constitution. He is considered a “principal architect” of the United States Constitution and served on five committees during the convention. His importance to the creation and passing of the U.S. Constitution is unquestionable.
Source: https://stmichaelschurch.net/about/history/