Unitarian Church in Charleston, Charleston
The initial construction on this site commenced just as the American Revolution was unfolding. During the British occupation of the city, the Georgian-style church served as lodging for the British militia and suffered damage, including the destruction of its newly installed pews; however, it was eventually repaired and returned to use by 1787. For the subsequent three decades, it operated as a unified entity with the Meeting Street Independent Church (now known as the Circular Church); nevertheless, in 1839, this congregation was reconstituted as the Unitarian Church.
Charleston experienced a period of considerable affluence in the 1850s, prompting the Unitarians to engage the services of the young architect Francis D. Lee, who was also a member of the church. His task was to remodel the structure in the increasingly popular Gothic Revival style, while preserving the existing walls and tower. Lee drew inspiration from the Henry VII chapel at Westminster Abbey, particularly the intricate and delicate fan tracery ceiling found there. He successfully replicated this remarkable ceiling in the church, rendering it one of the most exceptional examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States. The church premises also feature an intriguing garden and cemetery.
Why You Should Visit:
The sanctuary is lovely; the intentionally overgrown cemetery (free to visit when the gates are open) is a serene place to stroll or sit and reflect. The pathways are well-maintained, striking a balance between neatness and the wild beauty that draws you in.
Tip:
Consider swinging through the church when docents are available – they put on a pretty great tour and can offer further recommendations for exploring the town.
Charleston experienced a period of considerable affluence in the 1850s, prompting the Unitarians to engage the services of the young architect Francis D. Lee, who was also a member of the church. His task was to remodel the structure in the increasingly popular Gothic Revival style, while preserving the existing walls and tower. Lee drew inspiration from the Henry VII chapel at Westminster Abbey, particularly the intricate and delicate fan tracery ceiling found there. He successfully replicated this remarkable ceiling in the church, rendering it one of the most exceptional examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States. The church premises also feature an intriguing garden and cemetery.
Why You Should Visit:
The sanctuary is lovely; the intentionally overgrown cemetery (free to visit when the gates are open) is a serene place to stroll or sit and reflect. The pathways are well-maintained, striking a balance between neatness and the wild beauty that draws you in.
Tip:
Consider swinging through the church when docents are available – they put on a pretty great tour and can offer further recommendations for exploring the town.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Unitarian Church in Charleston on Map
Sight Name: Unitarian Church in Charleston
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Charleston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Charleston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Downtown Historical Churches Tour
Charleston, South Carolina, is also sometimes called the “Holy City.” This is due to the large number of churches found here. Needless to say, the most fascinating of them are concentrated in the Downtown area, each with its unique charm and significance.
Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
French Quarter Walking Tour
A historic district in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter is named so for the high concentration of French merchants that once lived in the area and left their mark on it. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. That same year the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historical Houses Tour
Charleston is steeped in history. Walking the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets of one of America's oldest towns, with its stunningly preserved colonial homes, you can see its story play out before your eyes practically everywhere you turn. Indeed, Charleston is among the most celebrated places in the U.S. to explore fine examples of American architecture and its progression through time.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Harleston Village Walking Tour
Founded in the 18th century, the historic Harleston Village is a charming neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. The rich past and vibrant present of this area make it a popular destination for tourists.
At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Charleston Introduction Walking Tour
A popular tourist destination and a major port city in South Carolina, Charleston is fit to impress anyone with its Southern charm, friendliness, and rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America.
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles