First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church is a Gothic-style church building in downtown Columbia with a tall tower that shapes the city's skyline. The interior holds space for roughly 1,250 people and contains a notable organ.

The congregation was founded in 1795 and first gathered at the State House before building their initial wooden structure on the current site. The present building with its distinctive features came from a major renovation in the 1920s.

The churchyard cemetery is a quiet place where graves from different periods stand, including family members of President Woodrow Wilson. Visitors can feel how deeply this place connects to America's past.

The church is open and welcoming to visitors; you can explore the architecture and interior whenever the doors are unlocked. The downtown location makes it easy to reach on foot and combine with nearby areas of Columbia.

The tower stands as one of the highest points in the historic area and long served as a landmark for people visiting the city. Its presence still makes the building a visual anchor in the urban landscape today.

Location: Columbia

GPS coordinates: 34.00402,-81.03059

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00