First (SCOTS) Presbyterian Church
First (SCOTS) Presbyterian Church
First (SCOTS) Presbyterian Church
First (SCOTS) Presbyterian Church
Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: Open to the public
Monday - Friday: 8:30a - 5:00p
First Scots Presbyterian Church, the fifth oldest church in Charleston, was constructed in 1814. Its design was inspired by St. Mary's Cathedral in Baltimore, Maryland designed by Benjamin Latrobe.
The First Scots Presbyterian Church has walls that are three feet thick and covered with stucco. Twin towers rise above a columned portico. Reflecting the heritage of the congregation, the seal of the Church of Scotland is displayed in the stained glass window over the main entrance, and the decorative wrought iron grilles contain thistles, the symbol of Scotland. First Scots replaced the congregation's first church, a frame building previously located in the southeast corner of the graveyard. The graveyard contains more than 50 stones that date earlier than 1800.
Recently an English bell made in 1814, the year of the church's construction, was hung in the north tower, replacing the original which had been given to the Confederate army for cannons.
