French Huguenot Church

By the early 1700’s Charleston was experiencing a wave of immigration from France. Refugees were seeking freedom from the French Protestant persecutions. The original structure was built in 1687 and destroyed in 1796. In 1800 construction of the church’s replacement was completed. Congregations gathered there until 1844 when it underwent construction, being remodeled in the Gothic Revival style. The church was designed by Edward Brickell and was the first of style to be built in Charleston. The organ, purchased in 1845 is in the shape and style of a Gothic Chapel. The Civil War and earthquake of 1886 nearly destroyed the church; many of its original furnishings were successfully preserved. The last complete renovation took place in 1997. The French Huguenot Church is the only remaining independent Huguenot Church in America. Services are conveyed in English, however once a year a traditional French service is held in celebration of Huguenot cultural heritage.