Huguenot Church

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in history, and few places are as emblematic of its rich cultural tapestry as the Huguenot Church. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter at 136 Church Street, this Gothic Revival masterpiece is not only an architectural gem but also a testament to the resilience and faith of the Huguenot community. Built in 1844, it stands as the oldest Gothic Revival church in South Carolina and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

A Historical Sanctuary

The origins of the Huguenot Church trace back to the 1680s when French Calvinists, known as Huguenots, sought refuge from religious persecution in predominantly Catholic France. The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 by King Louis XIV intensified their plight, leading many Huguenots to flee to safer havens, including Charleston. The early congregation of the Huguenot Church in Charleston was formed by these refugees, who brought with them their traditions, faith, and a desire to build a new life in the New World.

The first Huguenot settlers arrived in Charleston in April 1680, sent by King Charles II of England to work as artisans. The Reverend Phillip Trouillard is believed to have conducted the first service in 1681. By 1687, Elias Prioleau, who had previously served as a pastor in Pons, France, became the church’s first regular pastor. The early years of the church were marked by the involvement of prominent families such as the Gourdins, Ravenels, and de Saussures, although much of the early documentation was lost in a fire in 1740.

A Journey Through Time

The Huguenot Church has undergone several transformations over the centuries. The original building was destroyed by city authorities in an attempt to halt a spreading fire. It was replaced by a simple brick church in 1800, which was later torn down to make way for the current structure, completed in 1845. This third iteration of the church building sustained damage during the Civil War and the Charleston Earthquake of 1886 but was meticulously restored with funds from Huguenot descendant Charles Lanier of New York.

Despite a decline in membership in the early 19th century, the church adapted by translating its French liturgy into English in 1828. This change, along with the construction of the elaborate new building and the leadership of charismatic pastors like Charles Howard and Charles Vedder, led to a resurgence in church membership and attendance. However, by 1912, membership had again dwindled, and the church was not used for regular services for much of the 20th century. It was occasionally opened for weddings, organ recitals, and special services organized by the Huguenot Society of South Carolina. The current congregation dates back to 1983.

An Architectural Marvel

The Huguenot Church’s current building, designed by local architect Edward Brickell White, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. White, who also designed notable buildings like Market Hall and the steeple of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, created a stuccoed brick structure that is three bays wide and six bays long. Each bay is divided by narrow buttresses topped with elaborate pinnacles, and the three front windows are adorned with cast-iron crockets. A battlement parapet surrounds the top of the church, adding to its medieval charm.

The interior of the church is equally impressive, featuring walls with plaster ribbed grained vaulting and marble tablets etched with the names of Huguenot families. The church’s organ, purchased in 1845, is a unique tracker organ designed by New York organ maker Henry Erben. This organ, with its Baroque-era tone, connects the keys and pipe valves in a way that responds more quickly to the organist’s touch than modern mechanisms.

A Living Legacy

Today, the Huguenot Church holds regular services in English, but since 1950, it has also conducted an annual service each April featuring French liturgical readings to commemorate the adoption of the Edict of Nantes. The congregation continues to teach Calvinist doctrine, and its services are derived from liturgical practices developed in the 18th century by the churches of Neufchâtel and Vallangin.

The church is governed by a board of directors and a body of elders, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and active part of Charleston’s religious and cultural landscape. The surrounding graveyard is a poignant reminder of the many Huguenots who found refuge and built new lives in Charleston, with notable figures like Peter Manigault, once the wealthiest man in the British North American colonies, buried there.

Visiting the Huguenot Church is not just an architectural delight but also a journey through history, offering a glimpse into the lives and faith of the Huguenot community. It stands as a symbol of resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of those who sought freedom and refuge in a new land. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Huguenot Church in Charleston is a must-visit destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.