Established in 1681, St. Philip's is the oldest church congregation in the state of South Carolina. 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. read more

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A Wonderfully preserved, impeccably maintained historic Anglican Church. 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 read more

Most visitors and even locals know St. Philip's Church from its prominent and defining exterior. IT is a landmark in Historic Charleston, South Carolina. From its color, to its height to its surrounding cemetery with prominent forefathers buried all around including John C. Calhoun. You must walk inside. It's soft colors, quiet ambiance and beautiful design will take your breath away. This is one of the most elegant parts of downtown Charleston and of course, there is no charge to walk inside and soak in the feel of history and faith. read more

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I came to worship at the 8:15 am service on Sunday. The pews are in old time boxes and I was at first worried I might be sitting in some family's designated box - but I went ahead and found a pew in the mid-center. A lovely lady asked me if I was saving seats, and I said no so she joined me in the pew box. Now I will say it was a little challenging to kneel as my legs are long, but I wasn't the only one who was managing a the partial sit/kneel posture so all was well. The service was lovely. I'm used to Rite I where I worship in Dallas, so the traditional Anglican prayers were familiar. There was not music at the 8:15 service. However there were hymns selected for the later service so if you like singing you may want to go the 10 o'clock service. The sermon was very good! A good combination of historical information, context, and new ways of thinking about old concepts. The preacher was young and engaging. After the service, I was invited by others to join them for the Rector's forum. The coffee was great! And the teaching was outstanding. If I lived in Charleston, this church would likely be the place I would chose to worship. I look forward to coming back on my next visit! read more

St. Philip's Church - Churches Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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My favorite thing on a recent trip to Charleston was the historic church's. St. Philip's is a stunning example of a Deep South church. The staff a very welcoming to visitors of all faiths. Charleston is an ideal cruise stop in that you can walk it all easily. Make sure that you see all the historic church's, most are open during the day. read more

The French Quarter is a wonderful place to explore in DT Charleston. The name recognizes the high concentration of French merchants in the area's history. It's full of so much History and you never know what you are going to find around each corner. St. Philip's Church is the oldest European-American religious congregation in South Carolina and is on The National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1836. This Beaut can be found at 142 Church St. in Charleston. read more

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St Philip's Church is a beautiful and historic church. I really enjoy visiting here and being able to take in all of the history and architecture. They are warm and welcoming here and it is worth a visit if you are in the area. I have attended numerous services and events throughout the years and have always had a positive experience. read more

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When you think of Church St in downtown Charleston, typically the first church you think of is St Phillip's because it's just so beautiful, and also because they constructed the street around the church and it can be seen from almost any angle and from various side streets. As with other reviews that I've made of churches in Charleston, I won't give less than 5 stars, because "judge not lest ye be judged," or something similar to that quote which I heard somewhere. The cemetery and graveyard are also a must when walking through the neighborhood. Whether the jasmine is blooming or the crepe myrtles, you're bound to see beauty wherever you walk around St Phillip's Church. read more

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Again, at least stroll through the streets of Charleston and you'll come across the famous buildings along the partially cobblestoned streets. Here's another landmark in town. read more

St. Philip's Church - sunset - Churches Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

DO NOT park in their lot, it seems like a good deal, but some spots are ok while others aren't. Signage is not forthcoming. So, they take your $10 and then you get a $50 boot. When they come to free you, they tell you that they hear "ALL" the time about unclear signage. But they dont seem to update signage. Hmmm. Steer clear of this place. read more

Attended the Wednesday night praise service while visiting Charleston. Felt very welcomed. Also stayed for the dinner after and it was very tasty. read more

After walking about all morning and then stopping to check out yet another beautiful cemetery, we walked into this beautiful church to take a breather. All I wanted to do was it, pray and meditate, while enjoying the beautiful art. Imagine my surprise when were were greeted by two older ladies, both docents of the church who welcomed us in and gave us a mini historical tour of the church!!! My husband is the history buff and he was in heaven. I love the art and the cemeteries and neither of us were disappointed. I didn't have the heart to just sit out their talk so I just enjoyed it and went with the flow. We are from San Diego so finding such lovely, educated volunteers at a church of all places was heavenly!! They do appreciate donations, so open up your wallet and be generous. PS...no ghosts but it wasn't disappointing in the least! read more

Beautiful, serene cemetery. And, it's supposed to be haunted! The ghost tour app we took had images of a ghost, Sue Howard Hardy, a photographer captured there years ago. read more

St. Philip's Church - Look for the ghost in this photo of the cemetery - Churches Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Absolutely fabulous church and a must see. The artwork is fantastic. We had the opportunity to see two concerts in the church. The steeple dominates the area. It is worth visiting the grave yards on both sides of the church. read more

Another visit to Charleston and....pay my respects to the person in charge....ask for forgiveness....in a nice setting with nice folks.

Wonderful Church service April 6th, 10:30; grand music with 4 choirs participating in the music of the service. Those children and teenagers are terrific. Choirmaster is to be lauded! Sermon was also right on; excellent! read more

This is the oldest Episcopal Church in South Carolina and probably Charleston's most majestic hurch building. This church was built in 1838 and is an architectural monument. Tours are conducted by volunteers, and the times it is open varies, so it is always a good idea to call ahead if making a special trip. The services are traditional, but not particularly high-church. Thank God it has not become one of the Holy Roller Episcopal Parishes read more

Very cool, historic church with a large graveyard to roam around.