Headstone Symbols Scavenger Hunt

Old Bethel

Have you ever seen a gravestone with a picture inscribed on it but didn't know what it meant? Well there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of meanings for art on old graves. Most are for religious symbols, but wealth status, age, personality traits, and more also define depictions. 

My class and I took a walk through Bethel United Methodist Church on 57 Pitt Street to explore the different symbols displayed on their headstones. Bethel UMC was first built across the street where it stands now, but was moved to have a larger plot of land. The original is currently called "Old Bethel" and was open to white and blacks amid the 1800s. You can still find the original white church there today! Though, the new Bethel is open to any and all people. It is also the oldest Methodist church still remaining in Charleston. Historically, Methodists are Christians who believe in the Arminian doctrines versus Calvinism. The United Methodist Churches are traditional, ritualistic, and open for all who wish to come. You can visit Bethel United Methodist Church in Charleston for service on Sundays at 9am and 11:15am. Their churchyard is always open!

Circular Congregational Church

Circular Congregational Church
front

This week, our class looked at the different Churches in the historic district of Charleston. Among all of these, the Circular Congregational Church on 150 Meeting Street stood out to me and my group the most because of its unique look. 

It resembles a castle and stands out with its exposed, brick walls. It was also nice to have a path in the graveyard, which made it easier to walk through and to look at the tombstones. The tombstones, also attracted our attention being mainly made out of slate stones. The slightly blue color gave the cemetery almost a little more life, as odd as it may sound. The tombstones are also beautifully decorated and nice to look at! 

Another distinguishing feature is the white parish house. It creates an interesting counterpart to the rustic looking church. Furthermore, it is the only monument remaining from the 17th century, as we later found out. Additionally, it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973! 

Let's have an even closer look on the history of the church!

Top 5 Best Downtown Historic Churches

The other night. my class and I went around downtown to see 9 historic churches and 1 synagogue to admire their architecture  Out of these ten, I will share with you my five favorite. We walked down the quietest and most beautiful sidewalks in neighborhoods that look like they were taken straight out of a movie scene. The historic homes and magnificent churches makes it hard to believe that I go to college and live here!

#5- St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 89 Hasell Street

St. Mary's was built in 1789. What started as just a wood frame as a meeting place for the few Roman Catholics in Charleston became a large brick sanctuary. Although, it did not stand the Great Fire which burned two thirds of downtown and was later reopened on June 9, 1839. After this, it survived the Civil Revolution, an earthquake, and multiple hurricanes with minor damages. What drew me to this church was the original, detailed fence, the bright red doors, and the large cross sitting on top. It makes itself stand out and also draws you in with its history. 

#4- St. Philip's Church, 142 Church Street

St. Philip's is an Episcopal church founded in 1680 and built in 1836. It is the oldest congregational church of the south. It used to be located on the corner of Broad and Meeting Street (where St. Michael's is currently), but moved to Church Street for more land. This church also suffered the Great Fire and was rebuilt in 1838. Looking at the church in person, you have to tilt your head back as far as you can to see the top of the steeple. The stucco building makes you feel as in you are back in the 19th century. 

Charleston Historian Reveals the Town's Past

Ruth Miller sharing to our class

It's not everyday that someone points out a dentist's grave to you and that moment becomes the beginning of new opportunities, but it has happened to Ruth Miller. Miller is a Charleston author and historian who talked to our class. She is very knowledgeable in Charleston's religious history. In this blog post, I will share with you all what I learned from Miller. Listening about my home's history is fascinating.