St. Philip’s Church is an historic church at 142 Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Its National Historic Landmark description states: “Built in 1836 (spire completed in 1850), this stucco brick church features an imposing tower designed in the Wren-Gibbs tradition”. (Wikipedia)

I have had these photographs for several weeks now, with three other historical churches. It was a lucky day for access to historical sites, which provided a whole lot of images to work through.

It’s easy to shoot each church wide and down the center aisle. Lately I’ve tried to mix in closer shots of the details and design. It’s overwhelming and you have to start somewhere.

Many churches from this era have the closed private pews. Members had their own seating, paid by the family.

Notable members buried in the churchyard include;

• John C. Calhoun, seventh vice-President of the United States.
• Captain John Christie, 60th OR Royal American Regiment, and Founder and First Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 1 at Detroit, Michigan.
• Judith DuBose, colonial heiress
• Christopher Gadsden, a signer of the Continental Association.
• Judith Smith Ladson, colonial society figure
• Charles Pinckney, US Senator, Governor of South Carolina, and a Signer of the United States Constitution.
• Edward Rutledge, Continental Congressman and a Signer of the United States Declaration of Independence and Continental Association