by S. L. Wheeler

Created on: June 08, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

Charleston is a city known for its rich history. Churches, which nearly dominate the cities skyline are a major part of the cities history. From the beginning, Charleston has always had great diversity of religious belief and practice and this has not changed; all of these churches remain in use today and still maintain active congregations. The historic churches of Charleston are a must see for anyone planning a trip to the city rightfully named the Holy City.

St Phillip's Episcopal Church, (146 Church St), was completed in 1838, originally on the site of an older wooden church. A national historic landmark, it houses the oldest congregation in South Carolina.

The French Huguenot Church (136 Church St), the third to be built on this site, was completed in 1845. Designed by Edward Brickell White, it was the first Gothic Revival church in the city. It now has the only active French Calvinist congregation in the entire US.

St Michael's (80 Meeting St) was completed in 1761, and is one of the finest colonial churches in the country. During the Revolution, it became the center of resistance to the British; the steeple was often targeted by British naval gunners. Both Robert E. Lee and George Washington worshipped here at one time.

First Scots Presbyterian (53 Meeting St) is the fifth oldest church in Charleston. The seal of the Church of Scotland is displayed in the stained glass window over the main entrance. It was built in 1814, but the congregation itself began in 1731.

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue (90 Hasell St) is the oldest one in continuous use in the country. The name means Holy Congregation House of God. The congregation here began in 1749, making it the fourth-oldest in the country. The American Jewish reform movement began here in 1824. and this is one of the city's best examples of Greek revival style architecture

St. Mary's Catholic Church (89 Hasell Street) - (1837-1899) the congregation of St. Mary's was the first Roman Catholic Church in the Carolinas and Georgia. A sufficient number of Catholic immigrants had arrived in Charleston by the late 18th century that Reverend Ryan, an Irish priest, was sent to the city in 1788. The Hasell Street site was purchased for the church by trustees one year later and the congregation has worshiped here ever since. The present building was completed in 1839 in the Classical Revival style. Its monumental form, elements and ornamental details are adapted from classic Roman architecture with typical Classical details such as its arched openings and Tuscan portico with a parapet.

Unitarian Church in Charleston (8 Archdale Street)-(1780-1854) The Unitarian Church is the second oldest church in the city and is designated a National Historic Landmark. It is also considered one of our nation's finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic Revival style.

St. John's Lutheran Church (10 Archdale Street)- (1817) St. John's Lutheran Church was built from 1816 to 1818 and is a contributing structure in the Charleston Historic District in Charleston.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church (405 King Street) (1872) St. Matthew's was founded in 1840 - at a time when many German immigrants were coming to the Holy City - and, officially named "The German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Charleston." The Sanctuary building is open for public visitation Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm and on most Saturdays from 8:30am - 1:30pm.

Charleston's historic churches don beautiful architecture and an amazing history. Their charm enhances a city that is already one of the most beautiful and historic in the world.

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