Few People Know Parts Of An Iconic Landmark In South Carolina Were Actually Imported From Germany

Charleston has long been known as "The Holy City," and while the origin of the nickname isn’t known for certain, there’s no doubt that the area is full of churches, many of which are full of history. One of those churches, an iconic landmark in South Carolina, even has some stained glass windows that were imported from Germany.

Saint Mary of the Annunciation, located on Hasell Street in Charleston, was established in 1789 and was the first Catholic parish in the Carolinas and Georgia.

The current building is the third on the site and was completed in 1839, built in the Greek Revival style distinguished by the temple-style pediment on its gable-front roof, which is supported by four Ionic columns. The Great Fire of 1838 destroyed the prior structure.

The interior of the church is a smorgasbord of art. A painting by John S. Cogdell depicting the Crucifixion, originally created in 1814, hangs over the main altar. It was completely repainted on the same canvas by the artist after it was severely damaged in the 1838 fire.

The other 23 paintings are copies of masterpieces rendered by Caesare Porta of Rome, dating from 1895 and 1896. They were created in the same way as the Crucifixion, painted on canvas and installed directly on the wall or ceiling.

The lower row of beautiful stained glass windows portrays various Biblical scenes.

They were donated by some of Saint Mary’s longstanding and prominent families ...

... and were imported from the famed Mayer Glassworks in Munich, Germany.

The church is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is worth a visit to see in person! Visit the St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church website for more information. Is there another iconic landmark in South Carolina with a fascinating history that we haven’t featured before but should? Nominate the landmark for consideration!

Check out this list and photos of some of the other oldest churches in South Carolina!