Could a house whisper secrets of revolution? Here at the Old St. Michael’s Rectory Plaque, we uncover a tale of loyalty, exile, and a surprising return. The Old St. Michael’s Rectory, built in 1767, wasn’t just a home. It was a symbol of Charleston’s flourishing Anglican community. The vestry, wanting the finest for their minister, commissioned master builders Miller and Fullerton. These weren’t just any builders. Fullerton was one of the “Liberty Tree Boys,” celebrating the repeal of the Stamp Act. Miller was known for constructing some of Charleston’s grandest homes, including the Edward Rutledge House and David Ramsay’s residence.
The rectory became home to Robert Cooper, an Oxford graduate and St. Michael’s minister. He resided at the Old St. Michael’s Rectory until his loyalty to the Crown led to his dismissal in 1776. The Revolutionary government expelled him from the colony in 1777. This wasn’t the end of Cooper’s story. He returned to Charleston in 1781, serving as rector of St. Philip’s during the British occupation. He left again with the British in 1783. The Old St. Michael’s Rectory itself was rented out during the tumultuous years of the Revolution and beyond, falling into disrepair. The vestry finally sold it in 1803.
In 1825, the Old St. Michael’s Rectory found a new owner: Dr. William Read. This was a fitting turn of events. Dr. Read was a St. Michael’s parishioner. He was a veteran of the American Revolution, serving under General Washington. A testament to his character and service stands within St. Michael’s Church. Dr. Read’s final resting place is in St. Michael’s churchyard. The Old St. Michael’s Rectory, once a symbol of divided loyalties, became the home of a patriot. This house, tied to both sides of the Revolution, stands as a silent witness to Charleston’s complex history.