Beneath the ancient stones of Saint Phillips Church lies a story spanning centuries. This isn’t just any church. Saint Phillips Church in Charleston is the oldest European-American religious congregation in South Carolina. Established in 1680 its history is deeply woven into the fabric of this city.
The first Saint Phillips Church a simple wooden structure stood at Broad and Meeting streets. That location is now occupied by St Michaels Episcopal Church. A hurricane in 1710 damaged it badly. A new Saint Phillips Church was built a short distance away on Church Street. Completed in 1723 this church stood for over a century. Unfortunately a devastating fire in 1835 reduced it to ashes.
Undeterred the congregation immediately began construction of the present church. Completed in 1836 with its impressive steeple added between 1848 and 1850 this building stands as a testament to their resilience. The architect Joseph Hyde designed the main structure. Edward Brickell White designed the striking steeple. It’s a beautiful example of the Wren-Gibbs architectural tradition. Its three Tuscan pedimented porticoes are truly impressive.
More than a place of worship Saint Phillips Church holds a special place in Charleston’s history. It served for years as one of a pair of range lighthouses guiding ships into Charleston Harbor. The light from its tower was active from 1893 to 1915. It was even temporarily reactivated in 1921.
Within the church walls and its surrounding graveyard rest prominent figures from Charleston’s past. John C Calhoun seventh Vice President of the United States is buried here. So too are Charles Pinckney a signer of the US Constitution and Edward Rutledge a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The church graveyard contains many other notable burials including colonial figures and religious leaders. In fact the church’s rich history reflects the city’s own evolution.
In 2012 a convention at Saint Phillips Church sought to formalize the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina’s separation from The Episcopal Church. This led to a legal battle over the ownership of the building itself. In 2022 the South Carolina Supreme Court finally affirmed the Anglican Diocese’s rights to the property including Saint Phillips Church.
Today Saint Phillips Church continues to serve its community. It remains a stunning architectural landmark a repository of history and a vibrant center of faith. As you stand before it feel the weight of history and the enduring spirit of this remarkable place.