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

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 8, 2012

1. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Marker

Included is the National Register of Historical Places Medallion at bottom

Inscription. The Roman Catholic Church
of
St. Mary's Charleston
Established 1789
Incorporated February 19, 1791
The first Roman Catholic Church in
South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
This is the third structure on this site.
The first, a wooden building, was purchased
August 24, 1789, and was replaced later by a brick
church, which was burned April 28, 1838. The
cornerstone of present church was laid
August 15, 1838, and opened for devine worship
June 9, 1839. This church was consecrated
March 25, 1901.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is February 19, 1886.

Location. 32° 46.916′ N, 79° 55.971′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker is on Hasell Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 93 Hasell Street, 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. A different marker also named St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church (here, next to this marker); Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (a few steps from this marker); Riviera Theatre (about 500

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feet away, measured in a direct line); City Market (about 600 feet away); Charleston City Market (about 600 feet away); Market Hall and Sheds (about 600 feet away); A History of Courtenay Square (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Regarding St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. St. Mary’s Church is considered the first established Roman Catholic Church in the Carolinas and Georgia. In 1789 trustees for the church purchased the property which it still occupies. In 1791 it was incorporated by the General Assembly of South Carolina as the Roman Catholic Church of Charleston. According to church records, the structure being used for services was soon replaced by a brick structure. This building was destroyed in 1838 in the Charleston fire of that year. Construction of the third and present structure began almost immediately, and the church was opened for worship June 9, 1839. The rectangular structure features four Doric columns that support a massive entablature which is capped with a stepped parapet. The parapet wall was probably added during the renovation program of 1895. A large central portal is

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 8, 2012

2. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

flanked by a smaller door on each side. A semicircular arched window is located directly above the central door, with smaller circular windows above the side doors. Both circular and semicircular windows are embellished with keystones. The church graveyard surrounds the church on each side and to the rear. Listed in the National Register November 7, 1976.(South Carolina Department of Archives and History)

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 8, 2012

3. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Historic American Engineering Record image. Click for full size.

Historic American Buildings Survey, Charles N. Bayless, July 1978

4. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Historic American Engineering Record

Habs SC,10-CHAR,97--2

South Carolina Department of Archives and History

5. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Interior-Sanctuary image. Click for full size.

South Carolina Department of Archives and History

6. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Interior-Sanctuary

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church National Register of Historic Places Medallion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 8, 2012

7. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church National Register of Historic Places Medallion

No. 76001697.

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 8, 2012

8. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Cemetery

Beneath this slab lie the remains of
Rev. Jeremiah W. Carmody
Born July 31, 1885
Ordained June 17, 1913
Died January 25, 1971
Pastor 1931-1960
May he rest in peace. Amen.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 636 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on February 27, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.