As the oldest Presbyterian Church in Charleston, South Carolina, this historic site has a rich history. Throughout the 18 th century, the congregation of the First (Scots) Presbyterian Church had grown so large that a second place of worship became necessary. In 1809 a group of Scottish merchants began to plan the building of this church in order to house the booming Presbyterian congregation. The Second Presbyterian Church was dedicated in 1811 and featured a sanctuary so large that ministers were known to strain their voices during services.
The Second Presbyterian Church is a brick structure featuring a Tuscan portico, two tiers of windows and a square tower with a belfry. Refurbished many times over the years due to earthquakes and hurricanes, architectural changes were also made including lowering the ceiling several feet and enlarging the vestibule. The pew boxes, which at one time were rented to members of the congregation with a cemetery plot, were replaced in 1849 and are still in use today.
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