You may have heard Charleston referred to as “The Holy City,” but have you ever wondered how it got that title? With booming nightlife, it may seem that the name doesn’t fit at first glance, but the skyline is adorned with steeples, hinting at the origins of this name. The title is not only a nod to the sheer number of places to worship, but also to the values that shaped Charleston into a sanctuary for varying religious groups. This blog delves into the history, evidence, and cultural impacts of the origins of the affectionately named “Holy City.”
Historical Context
Charleston’s nickname origins can be traced back to its early settlement in the late 17th century. Most early United States colonies were founded by fleeing Europeans, causing many towns to pop up majorly under Catholic influence. Though the city of Charles Towne (later Charleston) was founded by English settlers, it rapidly transitioned to become a melting pot of varying cultures, ethnicities, and religions due to its trade accessibility, booming economy, and beautiful landscape.
Notably, these factors drove French Huguenots (who practiced Christian Protestantism) and followers of the Jewish faith to make lives for themselves in Charleston. Additionally, Charleston was a hotspot for the slave trade, bringing millions of enslaved Africans to the area, who brought their religious and cultural beliefs with them. The diversity of religious beliefs laid the groundwork for Charleston becoming a religiously tolerant city. Instead of pushing anti-Catholic agendas onto migrants, Charleston encouraged religious diversity and permitted its residents to practice however they chose.
Houses of Worship
Saint Michael's Episcopal Church
Established in 1752, Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church marked the beginning of the Western Anglican tradition, following principals from the Church of England, but with a twist. Though the two shared many similarities, Saint Michael’s Church followed Protestantism, which went against the Church of England that they had escaped from. Not only was Saint Michael’s a house of worship, but it was also a historical site where important figures, including signers of the Declaration of Independence, also worshipped.
Circular Congregational Church
This is the oldest church on this list and was founded in 1681. A unique, circular design symbolizes the unconventional beliefs of its Unitarian members. Unitarian beliefs are characterized by encouragement for individuals to develop a personal faith, denouncement of a one true god, and rejection of the traditional Holy Trinity. Though many ideologies and values from Christianity are retained, Unitarian’s take a more progressive approach to religion. Unitarianism has grown in popularity to today, but was seen as outlandish and anti-Christian at the time. Its standing in the Holy City shows progress in the toleration of differing religions.
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
This synagogue, established in 1749, is the oldest jewish congregation in the southern United States. Its moody and North African-influenced architecture indicates a stark difference from buildings crafted for the Christian faith, and represents varying beliefs between western European migrants and Jewish immigrants in Charleston. It serves both the Jewish community in the city and acts as a symbol of Charleston’s religious tolerance.
Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Founded in 1816, Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church holds a significant place in Charleston’s history for African Americans. It is one of the oldest AME churches in the South, and was a place for slaved, recently freed, or victims or segregation to congregate and worship. As AME beliefs have very little deviation from traditionally white church congregations, it opened the minds and hearts of Charleston citizens to realize that they weren’t so different from the African Americans after all. The church eventually became a center for civil rights activism, combining religious beliefs with the desire for Black equality. In 2015, the church suffered a shooting, demonstrating how significant the building was in terms or both religion and politics.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Though the original 1910 church is no longer standing, the second building, completed in 1953, is still used today. Built with traditional Greek style, the church members still practice values of the Orthodox Greek Christians. Worship in the Greek Orthodox Church goes back to the ancient churches that the Apostles of Jesus established thousands of years ago, making it a prominent location for those practicing Christianity.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist opened in 1907 and was designed in a more gothic style than most others in the area. The original was built in 1854, but eventually burned down in the Great Charleston Fire of 1861. The Baptist denomination has grown immensely in popularity, especially in the south, and this church is a testament to that transition. Using many ideals and beliefs from the Church of England, the transition was easier to swallow for many Christians, though they do differ in terms of baptism and in prayer.
Cultural Significance
Though the Holy City got its name from Charleston steeple-filled skyline, it acts as a visual reminder of the novel early religious tolerance. Not only did the city become a haven for diverse religious groups, such as the Anglicans, Huguenots, Catholics, Protestants, and Jews, but it was also accepting of Eastern religions. In recent years, Hindu temples and Islamic mosque’s have even slowly begin to pop up around the city. With so many places to worship and cultural acceptance, Charleston has attracted the most diverse population in South Carolina. Different minds and cultures have come together to create the charm that is Charleston.
The Holy City
Though there is debate on how Charleston got its endearing name, it is certain that it is home to one of the largest concentrations of churches in the U.S. Whether you’re a history fiend looking to explore historic buildings or looking to connect with others of your own faith, visiting a house of worship is a great way for anyone to learn, even if you don’t practice the religion. Visit the Holy City today see religious tolerance in action for yourself today!
Written by Alexis Boatner
