May 20, 2025

St. Philip’s Church in Charleston Undergoes Steeple Restoration

News Summary

St. Philip’s Church in Charleston is undergoing a significant restoration of its historic steeple, which is currently covered in scaffolding. Founded in 1680, the church is a crucial landmark that has faced many challenges over the years, including natural disasters and fires. The ongoing restoration is part of efforts to preserve the church’s integrity, with the community raising nearly $19 million for the project aimed at maintaining its cultural heritage and aesthetics for future generations.

Charleston, South Carolina – The historic St. Philip’s Church is currently undergoing restoration of its iconic steeple, which is now enveloped in scaffolding as part of necessary repair efforts. This restoration comes in response to weather damage that the steeple has sustained over the years, indicating the building’s ongoing fight against the ravages of time.

The church, founded in 1680, holds the distinction of being the oldest congregation south of Virginia. The current structure of St. Philip’s Church, completed in 1838, has moved locations twice due to expanding congregational growth as well as past disastrous events, including fires. It remains an important cultural and historical landmark within Charleston.

Notably, the church’s cemetery is the final resting place of significant historical figures, including Edward Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. This rich historical tapestry adds to the importance of maintaining the church’s structure, which has weathered considerable damage over the years. The church has faced challenges from fires, natural disasters, and even cannonball fire during the Civil War; notable damages also resulted from a hurricane in 1885 and the devastating Charleston earthquake in 1886.

The last time St. Philip’s Church underwent major restoration was after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. This new endeavor aims to prepare the historic site for future generations of worshippers, addressing structural integrity issues attributed to age and exposure to the elements.

The restoration project is backed by the “Shine the Light” campaign, which aims to raise $21.5 million for extensive repairs and enhancements to the church. So far, approximately $19 million has been successfully raised, indicating strong community support for the preservation of this longstanding institution.

The current restoration efforts include several significant features, such as the regilding of the cross atop the steeple and the thorough restoration of the clock face, elements that are essential for maintaining the church’s traditional aesthetic and historical value. Local companies, spearheaded by Canning Liturgical Arts, are collaborating on various facets of this ambitious project, ensuring that both craftsmanship and historical accuracy are upheld in the restoration process.

Completion of the restoration is anticipated for late spring, marking a crucial milestone for both the church and the wider Charleston community. As St. Philip’s Church revitalizes its steeple, it aims not only to preserve a vital piece of its heritage but also to enhance the experience for its congregants, ensuring that the church remains a cornerstone of worship and community life for generations to come.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.