St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Episcopal church in Charleston, United States.
St. Philip's Church is an Episcopal house of worship in Charleston that displays colonial-era architecture with classical details. The building features three Tuscan porticoes, Roman columns, and high Corinthian arcades that define its street-facing presence.
The congregation was established in 1681 by colonists from Charles Town, making it the first Anglican church founded south of Virginia. The parish became central to religious and social life in the colonial Southeast.
The church has been a gathering place for the community since its earliest days, serving as a spiritual center for generations of Charlestonians. The graveyard reflects how deeply embedded this place is in the city's identity and memories.
The church is open to visitors during specific hours that vary throughout the week, so it helps to check ahead before visiting. The main entrance faces Church Street, making it easy to locate in downtown Charleston.
The church steeple served as a navigation light for ships entering Charleston harbor, a role it held from 1893 until 1915. The tower was briefly reactivated for this purpose in 1921 before the practice ended.
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