Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a church building in the Gothic Revival style with tall spires and pointed arched windows in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The white facade stands out among the surrounding buildings and creates a quiet contrast to the busy street in front of it.

The congregation formed in 1817 as a meeting place for free and enslaved African Americans who gathered to worship together. The current building was constructed in 1891 after an earthquake damaged the earlier structure and has served as a place of resistance and hope through the decades.

The congregation holds lively services with hymns and sermons rooted in the Methodist tradition of preaching and communal prayer. Visitors experience a sense of fellowship as members gather to worship, sing together, and share in moments of reflection and support.

The building is accessed through a set of steps at the main entrance facing the street. Services are usually held on Sunday mornings, and visitors are welcome to sit quietly toward the back during worship.

A memorial plaque on the exterior wall honors the nine members who were killed during a Bible study session in 2015. The building became a symbol of forgiveness and resilience after this event, drawing people from around the world to visit and pay their respects.

Location: Charleston

Inception: 1816

Architects: John Henry Devereux

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Part of: Charleston Historic District

Address: Calhoun Street

Phone: +18437222561

Website: http://emanuelamechurch.org

GPS coordinates: 32.78740,-79.93310

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:52