Saint Johns Church

Can a church rise from ashes? Saint Johns Church in Charleston can answer that. The first cathedral on this site, the Cathedral of St. John and St. Finbar, was completed in 1854. It was a grand structure, designed by Patrick Keely. But just six years later, it was consumed by the Great Fire of 1861. Imagine the devastation. The church, a seminary, a school, even the office of the first Catholic newspaper in the United States, all reduced to ashes. The city, and the diocese, were left reeling, financially depleted by the Civil War. For decades, the congregation went without a proper home. Then, in 1888, almost 30 years later, Patrick Keely was called back to Charleston. He was tasked with rebuilding the cathedral on the very foundations of its predecessor. Saint Johns Church, as we know it today, opened its doors in 1907. It is a testament to the resilience of the Charleston community and a beacon of faith reborn. Inside, you’ll find intricate stained glass windows crafted by Franz Mayer & Co., depicting the life of Christ and a host of saints. Notice the unique rose windows above each entrance. One bears the Papal coat of arms, another the seal of South Carolina. The pews are carved from Flemish oak, adding to the sense of history within these walls. Descend to the lower church, where you’ll find the crypt. Here lie the remains of Bishop England, his sister Joanna, and four other Charleston bishops. A poignant reminder of the legacy of faith held within Saint Johns Church. While the steeple envisioned in the original plans was never built due to a lack of funds, the church is no less magnificent. It stands tall, a symbol of hope rising from adversity.