St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
National Register Listing
Street Address:
93 Hasell St., Charleston, SC (Charleston County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817710095
Description and Narrative:
St. Mary’s Church is considered the first established Roman Catholic Church in the Carolinas and Georgia. In 1789 trustees for the church purchased the property which it still occupies. In 1791 it was incorporated by the General Assembly of South Carolina as the Roman Catholic Church of Charleston. According to church records, the structure being used for services was soon replaced by a brick structure. This building was destroyed in 1838 in the Charleston fire of that year. Construction of the third and present structure began almost immediately, and the church was opened for worship June 9, 1839. The rectangular structure features four Doric columns that support a massive entablature which is capped with a stepped parapet. The parapet wall was probably added during the renovation program of 1895. A large central portal is flanked by a smaller door on each side. A semicircular arched window is located directly above the central door, with smaller circular windows above the side doors. Both circular and semicircular windows are embellished with keystones. The church graveyard surrounds the church on each side and to the rear. Listed in the National Register November 7, 1976.
Period of Significance:
1839;19th century;20th century
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Religion
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
November 7 1976
