Tag Archives: Church

Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina

Located on Church Street, Charleston, The congregation it serves traces its start to the 1680s. The church’s services still follow 18th century French liturgy, but are now conducted in English.

Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina - click to enlarge
Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina – click to enlarge

Like all of Charleston;  this church was damaged in several fires, blown up once to stop a fire from spreading, the earth quake of 1886 didn’t help any, and of course there was a civil war in between all of this.

Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina - click to enlarge
Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina – click to enlarge

At one point there were no regular services, only special church events were held here. Finally the Huguenot congregation, as well as descendants of George and Martha Washington, Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox), and other historical figures helped support the church for repairs and begin regular services.

Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina - click to enlarge
Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina – click to enlarge

The organ, purchased in 1845, is a unique design with the tone similar to organs used during the Baroque period.

Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina - click to enlarge
Huguenot Church, Founded 1687, Charleston, South Carolina – click to enlarge

Click, or double tap, to view images in detail from a gallery.

 

Charleston Rooftops, Circular Church

Founded in 1680 this is the church that fascinates me most here.

Charleston Rooftops, Circular Church - click to enlarge
Charleston Rooftops, Circular Church – click to enlarge

This spot, and the building(s), have been hit by hurricanes, huge city wide fires, a revolution, a civil war, and of course a little religious politics.

Charleston Rooftops, Circular Church - click to enlarge
Charleston Rooftops, Circular Church – click to enlarge

My introduction to this church was an evening concert. It was filled with traditional folk music, Dolcimers, Fiddles, and also music traced to here like the Hymn Amazing Grace, and  Old Man River (Porgy And Bess). So how could you not love this building.

Charleston Rooftops, Circular Church - click to enlarge
Charleston Rooftops, Circular Church – click to enlarge

The details up top of the church are hidden from view, but from the right vantage point you can find all the intricate work.

Charleston Churches

Charleston, South Carolina is called the ‘Holy City’ because it’s skyline is dominated by church spires.

Charleston Churches - click to enlarge
Charleston Churches – click to enlarge

Even today the city has limits on the size of buildings downtown to keep the spires prominent. It’s a little hard, and there are some places the skyline has suffered from our tremendous growth.

Charleston Churches - click to enlarge
Charleston Churches – click to enlarge

No matter it is an old southern city filled with charm, and of course tourists to help pay for all this.

Charleston Churches - click to enlarge
Charleston Churches – click to enlarge

 

 

Unitarian Church in Charleston

Its construction began in 1772 when the Society of Dissenters (now known as the Circular Congregational Church) needed more space than its Meeting Street location could provide. It was nearly complete in 1776 when the Revolutionary War began, finally being repaired and officially dedicated in 1787.

Unitarian Church in Charleston - Click To Enlarge
Unitarian Church in Charleston – Click To Enlarge

During the past several years we photographed the interiors, focusing on lighting from stained glass, of multiple cathedrals and historic churches. So when given the chance to just walk in and shoot we jumped at it.

Unitarian Church in Charleston - Click To Enlarge
Unitarian Church in Charleston – Click To Enlarge

The fan vaulted ceiling (see above) is rare and considered one the best built.

Unitarian Church in Charleston - Click To Enlarge
Unitarian Church in Charleston – Click To Enlarge

Since this wasn’t a planned shoot we could not really ask them to turn all the lights off. A little pushy, so we went with what we had.

Unitarian Church in Charleston - Click To Enlarge
Unitarian Church in Charleston – Click To Enlarge

Click an image below to view the gallery.