Founded in 1682, the First Baptist Church of Charleston is the oldest Baptist church in the South. Its roots stem in Maine, where it was first organized under the First Baptist Church of Boston. In the mid-1690s, the pastor of the church and 28 parish members immigrated to Charleston, South Carolina. The congregation began to grow as English and Scottish Baptists who settled in Charleston around this time were drawn to the church.
In 1822, a new building was constructed. The design of the grand structure was inspired by Greek architecture, and it featured a solid mahogany pulpit. The church endured extensive damage from the Civil War and natural disasters such as Hurricane Hugo, which badly damaged the Sanctuary in 1989. The church was restored each time by the devoted congregation which continues to be active today.
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