St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Colonial church in Charleston, United States
St. Andrews Episcopal Church is a brick building designed with a cross-shaped floor plan that defines its colonial character. Inside, compass-headed windows, wooden ceilings, and other period details create the authentic appearance of an 18th-century house of worship.
The church was founded in 1706 under colonial law to serve the growing Anglican population. It underwent expansion in 1723 to accommodate more worshippers settling along the river.
The church has long served as a spiritual center for Charleston's Anglican community and remains a place where people gather for worship. It shapes the city's religious identity and attracts those curious about the church's role in colonial society.
The building sits on Ashley River Road in West Ashley and can be visited during service times and special occasions. Plan your visit ahead since the space is used for worship and may have limited access on certain days.
The 1706 brick walls were roughcast during the 1723 expansion to hide the join between old and new brick and imitate a grander stone facade. The pine roof was replaced with cypress, and cedar pews were added. A wider "great" door faced the river for the gentry, while a narrower door to the west served commoners and clergy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,480 contributors worldwide.