St. Michael's Church | Charleston

St. Michael’s Church – Charleston, South Carolina – In Detail

Overview

St. Michael’s Church is Charleston’s oldest surviving religious structure and a revered symbol of the city’s colonial, revolutionary, and spiritual legacy. Located at the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets-famously known as the Four Corners of Law-this stately church has stood as a spiritual and civic beacon since the mid-18th century. Its white steeple, clock, and chime tower are central features of Charleston's skyline, and it remains an active Episcopal parish today.

Historical Background

Construction and Origins:

Built between 1751 and 1761, St. Michael’s Church was erected on the site of the earlier St. Philip’s Church, Charleston’s first Anglican congregation.

The city decided to build a new church after St. Philip’s relocated to its current location on Church Street.

The building was inspired by St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London and designed in the Georgian style.

Colonial and Revolutionary Era:

George Washington worshiped here during his 1791 Southern Tour, sitting in pew #43, which is still preserved today with a plaque.

During the American Revolution, British forces used the church as a barracks and damaged its structure.

The original English bells were removed and taken to England as war trophies but were later returned.

Civil War and Aftermath:

St. Michael’s endured shelling during the Civil War but remained largely intact.

The steeple served as a signal tower for the Confederate army.

Following the war, it underwent extensive repairs, and some of its fittings were replaced or restored, including the clock and organ.

Architecture and Features

Georgian Architecture:

The church is a prime example of Georgian ecclesiastical design, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and restrained ornamentation.

The structure is built of brick covered in stucco and whitewashed, with classical details including Doric columns and pediments.

Steeple and Clock Tower:

The steeple rises 186 feet and is one of Charleston’s most visible landmarks.

The clock and bell tower feature a historic Eighteenth-century clock mechanism and a chime of eight bells, some of which are originals recast in England.

Interior:

The interior is modest and elegant, featuring white box pews, wooden galleries, a high pulpit, and colonial-era tablets listing church benefactors and commandments.

A pipe organ, originally built by Henry Erben in the 1840s, provides music for services and is considered one of the finest historic organs in the region.

Graveyard and Notable Burials

Churchyard: The cemetery surrounding St. Michael’s contains some of Charleston’s most prominent historical figures.

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney – signer of the U.S. Constitution, Revolutionary War officer, and ambassador.

John Rutledge – Governor of South Carolina and a U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Other colonial, revolutionary, and Civil War-era figures are buried here, making it both a religious and historical site.

The Four Corners of Law

St. Michael’s is part of a symbolic urban intersection:

St. Michael’s Church – representing God’s law.

Charleston City Hall – municipal law.

Charleston County Courthouse – state law.

U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse – federal law.

This unique configuration gives the location deep symbolic importance, blending civic, spiritual, and legal heritage at a single crossroads.

Preservation and Cultural Importance

St. Michael’s Church has remained continuously active as an Episcopal congregation since its completion in 1761.

It is designated as a National Historic Landmark and is protected under Charleston’s strong preservation laws.

The church has weathered hurricanes, war, earthquakes (including the 1886 Charleston Earthquake), and urban development, yet retains its historic form and function.

Restoration efforts have ensured that its clock, bells, and interior remain true to the original design and craftsmanship.

Visitor Experience

Open for Services and Tours: St. Michael’s remains a working church, with regular Sunday services and weekday prayer, while also welcoming tourists for self-guided visits.

Historic Pew Viewing: Visitors can view the pew used by George Washington, which is prominently labeled.

Churchyard Access: The churchyard is open to the public during daylight hours, providing an intimate glimpse into Charleston’s colonial and revolutionary past.

Summary of Highlights

Oldest standing religious building in Charleston.

Architectural model: St. Martin-in-the-Fields (London).

George Washington’s original pew on display.

Active historic chime bells and 18th-century clock.

Burial site for major American historical figures.

Located at Charleston’s symbolic Four Corners of Law.

Survived Revolutionary War, Civil War, and natural disasters.

Still functions as a house of worship and community anchor.

St. Michael’s Church is not just a monument-it is a living chapter in American history, encapsulating over two and a half centuries of religious tradition, civic identity, and architectural grace in the heart of Charleston.