Circular Congregational Church

The one-mile section of Meeting Street that makes up Charleston’s Museum Mile is dotted with several historic places of worship. Originally known as “Charles Towne” when it was founded in 1670, the city of Charleston, South Carolina is often referred to as the Holy City due to the high concentration of churches, several of which are right on Meeting Street. The Circular Congregational Church was founded in 1681 by the early settlers of varying faiths. Originally known as the Independent or White Meeting House, the church offered a central place for the booming community of settlers to meet and worship and helped give Meeting Street its name.

Rebuilt from the Ruins

The original building from the 1680s that housed the worshippers of the Circular Congregational Church was replaced in 1804 by a grand circular sanctuary designed in the style of the Pantheon. One of the first major domed structures in North America, it was destroyed by the ravages of fire and the Civil War in the 1860s. The new Circular Congregational Church was erected in the same location in 1890, and the Romanesque-style building with its sweeping arched entry and spectacular vaulted ceiling still stands today. Surrounding the church is the oldest burial ground in the city, with a monument dating back to the 17 th century. The Parish House of the church has been named a National Historic Landmark.

Visiting the Circular Congregational Church

As one of the Southeast’s oldest continuously practicing parishes, the tradition of worship continues at the Circular Congregational Church which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

The Circular Congregational Church is located at 150 Meeting Street on Charleston’s Museum Mile. Weddings can be held at the church and tours are available.

For more information call 843-577-6400.

Click here to visit Circular Congregational Church official website