French Quarter in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Site of the First Methodist Church In Charleston

1785

— United Methodist Church Registered Historic Site No. 295 —

Site of the First Methodist Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2011

1. Site of the First Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Established in 1785 under the leadership of Bishop Francis Asbury, the first Methodist Society in Charleston purchased a lot in Cumberland Street and erected a church here in 1786. Long known as the Blue Meeting House because of its color and to distinguish it from the White Meeting House (now Circular Church) on Meeting Street, the wooden structure was the site of the first annual conference in South Carolina. It met in 1787 and was presided over by Bishops Thomas Coke and Asbury.

The church had separate seating for white, free black, and enslaved African members. The early Methodists were persecuted for their stand against slavery. Cumberland Street Church was enlarged in 1806 but destroyed in the Charleston fire of 1838. Rebuilt of brick, it was destroyed a second time in the Great Fire of 1861. In 1874 the congregation united with Trinity Methodist Church (then located on Hasell Street) and this property was sold. Cumberland Street

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher, and the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.

Location. 32°

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46.78′ N, 79° 55.801′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in the French Quarter. Marker is on Cumberland Street, on the right when traveling west. Located opposite 85 Cumberland Street, and The Powder Magizine, at the parking garage. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Revolutionary Artillery (a few steps from this marker); The Old Powder Magazine (a few steps from this marker); The Nicholas Trott House (a few steps from this marker); Trott's Cottage (a few steps from this marker); Powder Magazine Flags (within shouting distance of this marker); The Two Cannons (within shouting distance of this marker); The Molony Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Richard Hutson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Regarding Site of the First Methodist Church In Charleston. -- Site of the Blue Meeting House, the first Methodist church in the city. Built in 1787 the church was later named the Cumberland Church, taking it's name from the street.
(Legerton, Historic Churches, 42. )

Site of the First Methodist Church Marker, seen along Cumberland Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2011

2. Site of the First Methodist Church Marker, seen along Cumberland Street

Site of the First Methodist Church Marker seen at a city parking garage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 6, 2011

3. Site of the First Methodist Church Marker seen at a city parking garage

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 643 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 8, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.