Civil War Era Churches and Congregations - Charleston, SC

Part of Civil War @ Charleston

Dozens of Charleston's religious congreations date from the Civil War era here, most still worship in the same buildings today. This document contains a partial listing. All of these congregations welcome visitors to worship and visiting one fo these houses of worship is one of the few opportunities a visitor has to participate in the City's living historic tradition. Contact the individual congregation about child care availablity, admission to communion and parking. William Hamilton welcomes suggesions on congregations to add.

Alphabetical, by denomination

Anglican/Episcopal

Episcopal Cathedral of St. Luke & St. Paul

This church, called St. Paul's during the war, was the only Episcopal Congregation in the city located beyond the range of the Federal bombardment and after the siege of Charleston began with a shot aimed at the steeple of St. Michael's, all the City's Episcopalians worshiped here. The Cathedral's bells were donated to the Confederate war effort and the spire is silent to this day. A detailed Cathedral Website is available. The Civil War Era sanctuary still stands and is in daily use for worship weekdays and Sunday. Dean William N. Mckeachie, rector of the Cathedral presented the prayer at ceremonies marking the 134th. Annaversary of the Battle of Secessionville.

St. Michael's Church, Broad & Meeting Streets

St. Michael's Church on the S.E Corner is virtually unchanged since the war. The famous British Observer Arthur Freemantle worshiped here in 1863. The bells in the steeple are rung by hand on special occasions. The steeple was used as a target by the Federal artillerists on Morris Island when aiming the Swamp Angel and was painted black so as to make a less obvious target. The steeple took several hits. The church is open to visitors on a regular schedule. Here is a Picture of the Chruch in 1865

Judaism

Temple KKBE

the oldest reformed Judaism Congreagation in the United States. Civil War Era temple still standing and in use for regular Friday and Saturday services. Has small museum. Altar and scrolls in use also date from the war period. See the Temple KKBE website for details


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