How about stepping back in time to 1906? That’s when St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church was founded. It wasn’t here though. The church started at 43 Elizabeth Street.
St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church stands before us. It is a testament to faith and perseverance. This church has a rich and diverse history.
Originally built in 1850, this building was known as the Anson Street Chapel. It was established by free and enslaved black Presbyterians. Imagine them gathering here. They sought solace and community.
In 1857, this site became the heart of a significant revival in Charleston. People from all walks of life worshipped together. Black and white. Slave and free. They united in prayer and hymns.
The Civil War left its mark. Shelling during the siege of Charleston heavily damaged the church. But faith prevailed. The church was rebuilt and restored in the 1880s. Transepts were added. A Gothic frame ceiling was installed. Fourteen stained glass windows now adorned the space.
For a time, the Catholic Diocese of Charleston owned the building. They used it until 1965. But in 1971, St. John’s found its new home here. The congregation moved from Elizabeth Street to Anson Street.
St. John’s became a cornerstone for the African-American community. The surrounding neighborhood was predominantly African-American. Most parishioners lived nearby. Over time, gentrification changed the landscape. Many black parishioners now commute from West Ashley.
The church has retained many original features. Stenciled decorations and gilded Gothic elements still remain. The Historic Charleston Foundation confirms it.
Take a stroll to the commemorative garden. It honors Philip Simmons, a renowned Charleston ironworker. He designed the Heart Gate, marking the garden’s entrance. Simmons was a member of St. John’s.
In 2013, The Rt. Rev. Willie Hill Jr. became rector. He started new initiatives to engage the community. He welcomed college gospel choirs. He added midday Bible study. In 2022, Hill was elected bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of the Southeast.
St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church stands as a symbol of resilience. It reflects the enduring spirit of its community. It is a place where history, faith, and community intertwine. The church continues to evolve. It continues to serve. Its doors remain open to all.