Second Presbyterian Church, Charleston

Initially established to serve the city's growing Presbyterian community, this church, founded in 1809, has played a prominent role in Charleston's religious landscape and stands as an enduring architectural representation of the Reformed Faith. It is the fourth oldest surviving original church in the city, following Saint Michael's, the current Unitarian Church, and Old Bethel Methodist Church.

Its Classic Revival sanctuary, though more elaborate than the colonial-era meeting houses, upholds the simplicity characteristic of Presbyterian tradition. A prominent pulpit underscores the sermon's central importance in worship, while the placement of the communion table within the congregation symbolizes the belief in the priesthood of all believers. Additionally, the presence of the baptismal font among the congregation signifies their commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of the baptized.

Remarkable for its Palladian stained glass window, the church's architecture conveys inclusivity, portraying Jesus Christ alongside individuals of diverse ages, genders, races, and professions. Inside the sanctuary, a bas-relief, meticulously restored after Hurricane Hugo, showcases various symbolic elements and references from the Bible.

Meanwhile, the surrounding graveyard narrates the stories of numerous generations of church members, including veterans, college founders, ministers, and community leaders. Notably, this burial ground is characterized by a significant number of child interments, reflecting historical challenges such as malnutrition and disease.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Second Presbyterian Church
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Downtown Historical Churches Tour

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.

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

Downtown Historical Churches Tour

Charleston, South Carolina, is also sometimes called the 鈥淗oly City.鈥� 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

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

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

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

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