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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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First Scots Presbyterian

SC PICTURE PROJECT 1 Comment

SC Picture Project / Charleston County / First Scots Presbyterian

First Scots Presbyterian is the fifth oldest congregation in Charleston. It was formed in 1731 when 12 Scottish families withdrew from the Independent Meeting House (now the Circular Congregational Church) to worship and govern themselves according to the Church of Scotland. The current church was built in 1814. Its stucco covered brick walls are three feet thick. Twin towers rise above a columned portico and the stained glass window over the main entrance displays the Seal of Scotland. In the early days, the church had the unique custom of requiring a special token to gain admission to Communion.

First Scots Presbyterian

John Diskes of Summerville, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The church was badly damaged during the 1886 earthquake as well as in a hurricane the following year. Generous assistance from Presbyterian churches from the North helped rebuild First Scots and other affected Presbyterian churches. Scottish Heritage Sunday is observed each September with kilts, bagpipes, and the Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartan – a ceremony where clan representatives carry lengths (or flags) of tartans forward to the altar and the pastor offers a blessing.

First Scots Charleston

Gary DuBose of Seneca, 2010 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The image seen below was taken by George Cook. Cook was a photographer based in Charleston who became famous for his images taken after the Great Earthquake of 1886.

First Scots Presbyterian

South Caroliniana Library, George Cook, Digital Collections, 1886

Plan Your Trip:

Where is located?
53 Meeting Street, SC 29401
GPS Coordinates: 32.774470,-79.931049
Website: http://www.first-scots.org/
What else should I see?
Nathaniel Russell House 0.1 mile
St. Michael's Church 0.2 mile
Heyward-Washington House 0.2 mile
James Simmons House 0.2 mile
Show me more like this!
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    1. L.J. Alexander says

      October 24, 2012 at 3:25 PM

      Searching for the grave of David Franklin Alexander who was chairman of the vestory of a Church in Charleston.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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