Beneath those pointed arches of the New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church, secrets of Charleston’s past echo. Founded in 1875, the New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church has a rich history. It began near the Medical District, guided by Rev. Daniel J. Jenkins. He also founded the Jenkins Orphanage for Black children. Rev. Jenkins would bring the children to the downtown church for Sunday school.
In 1950, the church faced upheaval. The original building was razed to expand the Medical University of South Carolina. Ironically, the New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church later became a civil rights movement hub. That same year, the congregation purchased the historic church at 22 Elizabeth Street. This Gothic Revival building had been St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Designed by Francis D. Lee, construction began in 1859. The Charleston Courier described the style as “Perpendicular Gothic”. Construction halted due to the Civil War. The original design included a 210-foot steeple, but it was never completed. Giant Gothic windows grace each side. Inside, the vaulted ceiling soars 55 feet high.
Despite damage during the Civil War, St. Luke’s congregation used the building until 1949. In 1950, New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church acquired the building. The church continued its relationship with the Jenkins Orphanage. Children were welcomed for Sunday school and programs.
The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, a news clip misidentified as being filmed at Mother Emmanuel AME Church was actually filmed here. Rev. B.J. Glover spoke to a congregation at the New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church. Rev. William Edward Cheney and J. Arthur Brown were also involved in the Brown et al v. School District 20 case.
The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church hosted meetings to organize the Hospital Workers Strike in 1969. This protested racial discrimination and unequal pay. Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy addressed the Charleston Hospital Strike here. Students also met to organize a protest in support of the striking hospital workers. In June 1969, Rev. Abernathy spoke to a large crowd. They marched peacefully to King Street and back. The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church was also involved in the Sanitation Workers’ Strike.
Today, the New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church stands as a testament to history. It needs a temporary roof cover to protect it from further damage. The Gothic Revival beauty is a contributing property on the National Register. The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church served as a safe meeting space during the fight for equality. It worked with other Black congregations like Morris Street Baptist Church and Emmanuel AME.
The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church faces structural challenges. Yet, its legacy endures. A preservation plan is underway. The community rallies to support this sacred space. The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church asks Charleston for its support. The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church has continuously served the Charleston community since 1852.