Second Presbyterian Church, Charleston

Initially established to serve the city's growing Presbyterian community, this church, founded in 1809, has played a prominent role in Charleston's religious landscape and stands as an enduring architectural representation of the Reformed Faith. It is the fourth oldest surviving original church in the city, following Saint Michael's, the current Unitarian Church, and Old Bethel Methodist Church.

Its Classic Revival sanctuary, though more elaborate than the colonial-era meeting houses, upholds the simplicity characteristic of Presbyterian tradition. A prominent pulpit underscores the sermon's central importance in worship, while the placement of the communion table within the congregation symbolizes the belief in the priesthood of all believers. Additionally, the presence of the baptismal font among the congregation signifies their commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of the baptized.

Remarkable for its Palladian stained glass window, the church's architecture conveys inclusivity, portraying Jesus Christ alongside individuals of diverse ages, genders, races, and professions. Inside the sanctuary, a bas-relief, meticulously restored after Hurricane Hugo, showcases various symbolic elements and references from the Bible.

Meanwhile, the surrounding graveyard narrates the stories of numerous generations of church members, including veterans, college founders, ministers, and community leaders. Notably, this burial ground is characterized by a significant number of child interments, reflecting historical challenges such as malnutrition and disease.