Established in 1681, St. Philip's is the oldest church congregation in the state of South Carolina…read more After they moved to their Church Street site in 1710, they built a church that lasted until it was wiped out by a fire. The current building was constructed in 1835 and boasts a beautiful, tall steeple. The interior of St. Philip's is stunning so if you're exploring the churchyard or cemetery, go inside the church and look around. It's usually open, with helpful guides to tell you all about it. Fact: it is the highest point in Charleston. Also, The church you see today is the second on this site. The original held its first service on Easter Sunday 1723, and burned down in a fire in February 1835. It also has the distinction of having both a churchyard (graves surrounding the church building itself) and a cemetery across the street. The view of Church Street punctuated by St. Philip's remains one of Charleston's most photographed spots.

A Wonderfully preserved, impeccably maintained historic Anglican Church…read more I visited recently (June 26) for the 10:30 Service, arriving early as the lovely choir was practicing that Sunday's hymns; obviously, they were a very robust, musically inclined group well lead by their Choir Director. As the church began to fill up I noticed that the congregation arrived in their 'Sunday Best'. In fact, the personal affluence was striking : lots of women in lovely, stylish hats and men in souther-style, gabardine suits with bow ties! I have to say however, although a friendly atmosphere was evident, I did not feel very welcome, as a casually dressed visitor. Added to this, was the cursory handshake by one of the more senior ministers as he strolled down the aisle prior to the service. Yet, this gesture was not accompanied by even at least a few words of introduction. I departed the service early given I was only there more for prayerful meditation and reflection ... left feeling a bit empty... Recommend visitors be prepared for a more elitist experience and less of perhaps of a warm welcome. I do hope my first exposure to St. Phillip's was just a flute and there is a deeper connection with the congregation! Good luck with your experience as mine was somewhat disappointing, first-time. R

We took a tour with the Palmetto carriage company, and our tour guide, Mike, pointed out this…read morechurch and the tree that stands in the graveyard of this church. It is the oldest Oak tree in Charleston. It's a unique graveyard in that it surrounds the entire church. The church doesn't have a yard space where there isn't a gravesite. Great value..it's free.

One of the most beautiful churches. The architecture is like nothing I have ever seen. Also freeread more

Holy Cross is a small cemetery on James Island at the end of Harborview Rd. It's very peaceful and…read morepretty. They have the part of the cemetery that allows monuments on the perimeter, and, in the interior, you're allowed to have only the flat gravestones (so they can be mowed over). The monument area is more expensive and you have to buy a certain number of them (2-4, I think). The cemetery is open all the time, but if you want to speak to one of the office people, the office closes at 3. Also, if you want to have a funeral, it will cost you more after 3 and on weekends (because the workers are working outside their normal hours). People really take ownership of their graves here. There are flags with pictures of the deceased, solar lights, small statues, etc. The flat markers have vases that can be attached and practically everybody uses them. There are flowers all over the place. The cemetery is quite beautiful in the Spring. Azaleas are blooming and there are other flowering plants, which I've forgotten. The office lady, Pam, is very sweet and helpful. She seems to know where everybody in the cemetery is and refers to them by name. It's kind of a comfort to know you can go in there and she'll know right where your loved one is buried.

How does one rate a cemetery? It gets a 5, because I've got close family and friends there.read more

This lovely little cemetery is not really that little and is only separated from the Magnolia…read moreCemetery by a humble fence. They have many of the same type of monuments and gravestones as the Magnolia has. You can also drive into the cemetery, park on the side of the small roads and don't expect any well paved roads, so stopping by after a rainstorm is not recommended. All of these cemeteries are located in an industrial area of town, which is very strange to me. There are the two big cemeteries and then there are several smaller, obsure cemeteries in and around the big ones. I am from San Diego and we have many, HUGE, well maintained cemeteries in SoCal, (you should see where Michael Jackson is interred) but none are as charming, historical, old or haunting as the cemeteries in the South. I could've stayed all day in this area if the weather had been better.

I highly recommend this group of wonderful people to anyone. It's a one-location, small…read moreorganization that immediately made me feel comfortable and heard when planning my father's cremation and memorial service. The individualized attention was incredible. I truly felt welcomed into their family. Rodney was available day and night to address any questions or issues. He worked with me to ensure the obituary and service accurately represented the humor and personality of my Dad. Michelle and Tripp were fantastic and so supportive. You feel the positive energy the second you enter the building.

McAlister's handled the services for my mother in 2010 and again for my father last month. I could…read morenot ask for a more professional and compassionate experience...twice! Prices are fair and Mr. McAlister was considerate of my budget and even talked me into spending less on a few items. Their staff handled the claim process for some of our life insurance claims which took one less thing to do off of my hands. They are truly Charleston's finest!