A plain-spoken neoclassical church on Coming Street, built from 1811 and long at the centre of Charleston’s Anglican life.
At a glance
The Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, originally known as St. Paul’s Radcliffeboro, sits on Coming Street in Charleston. It is the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. Construction began in 1811, and its architectural style is typical of the period, with an interior almost entirely devoid of ornamentation.
History
The building remained in continuous use during the Civil War, hosting congregations from churches nearer the Union strongholds whose cannons bombarded the city. The bell was dismantled and sent to Columbia to be melted down for the Confederate cause. In 1949, the parish merged with St. Luke’s on Charlotte Street, a congregation long closely associated with St. Paul’s. The first combined service was held on July 17 of that year.
Later the building was designated the cathedral church for the Diocese of South Carolina under the leadership of the Rev Dr B Madison Currin. Bishop Gray Temple was officially seated here in November 1963. After the 2012 breakup of the historic diocese, the cathedral remained the seat of Bishop Mark Lawrence, whose diocese was received into the Anglican Church in North America on 27 June 2017.
What you see
The interior appears much as it did in 1815. The chancel is the exception: historian Dalcho described it as richly painted and ornamented with Corinthian pilasters having gilt capitals. That description still applies. During the redecoration following the hurricane of 1989, restorers used the colours and applications first employed in 1815 as much as current means allowed.
Some changes have occurred over time. Box pews were replaced in 1872. The pulpit moved from the middle aisle to its present location. Stained-glass windows were added later, and the windows in the apse of the sanctuary were installed in the fall of 1991 in the style of Sir Christopher Wren, the 17th-century architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Designed and constructed by Willett Studios of Philadelphia, they show St. Luke and St. Paul on the left and right, with a central window depicting the crucified Christ alongside St. Mary and St. John.
Cultural significance
The building is known for its acoustical properties and is often sought by performing artists, particularly during the Spoleto Festival. It also anchors an ongoing Anglican story. In 2009, the long-time dean William McKeachie announced his retirement, and the vestry called the Reverend Peet Dickinson to serve as dean. That same year, the new dean, vestry, and executive finance committee took the necessary moves to retire the debt accumulated from structural renovations.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Charleston, South Carolina
- Coordinates: 32.787, -79.9405
Practical information & getting there
The cathedral is on Coming Street in Charleston. Check local listings for service times and openings, especially during the Spoleto Festival when performances are often held here.
Sources & resources
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