St. Michael’s Church stands at Broad and Meeting Streets, one of Charleston’s Four Corners of Law. Completed in 1761, it is the city’s oldest surviving church building and a notable example of Georgian colonial architecture. Look up at the white steeple, then step inside to see stained glass, elaborate woodwork and the historic boxed pews associated with George Washington’s 1791 visit. The adjoining churchyard is a quiet place to pause, and its graves include two signers of the U.S. Constitution.
A church at the Four Corners of Law
St. Michael’s Church is at the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets, a downtown crossroads known as the Four Corners of Law. The church represents ecclesiastical law; the other three buildings at the intersection represent federal, state and local law.
The church was built between 1752 and 1761 and remains the oldest surviving church building in Charleston. It stands on a site where St. Philip’s Episcopal Church was built in the 1680s. After a hurricane damaged the earlier church, St. Philip’s moved to its present location on Church Street, and St. Michael’s was built on the cleared site.
Georgian design and the white steeple
The church’s Georgian colonial design is easy to spot from outside. A two-story portico supported by Tuscan columns marks the entrance, while the white exterior and tall steeple make the building a familiar part of Charleston’s skyline. The steeple rises 186 feet and houses a historic tower clock.
From the street, take in the church’s proportions and the contrast between the bright exterior and the brickwork. St. Michael’s has changed relatively little from its original design, making its colonial architecture a central part of the visit.
Inside the church and its churchyard
Inside, look for the stained glass windows, chandeliers and detailed woodwork. The church also has historic boxed-in pews, including pews associated with President George Washington and General Robert E. Lee. Washington attended a service here during his 1791 visit to Charleston.
The adjoining churchyard offers a quieter place to pause after seeing the interior. Edward Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, are buried there. Take time to read the grounds at an unhurried pace and treat the church and burial place with respect.
Planning your visit
St. Michael’s is an active place of worship, as well as a historic landmark. Weekday visits are suggested, and arriving early can help you avoid crowds from walking tours. Check the church’s website before setting out to confirm visitor access and whether advance tickets are needed.
The church is at 71 Broad St. Its location makes it easy to include while exploring the Four Corners of Law and nearby historic streets. If the church is not open to visitors when you arrive, you can still view its exterior and steeple from the intersection.
FAQ
Where is St. Michael’s Church?
It is at 71 Broad St, at the intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets in Charleston.
When was St. Michael’s Church built?
The church was built between 1752 and 1761 and completed in 1761.
What can you see inside St. Michael’s Church?
Look for stained glass, chandeliers, detailed woodwork and historic boxed-in pews.
Who is buried in the churchyard?
Edward Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, are buried there.
