St. Michael’s Church celebrates 275 years of faith and history in Charleston
September 28, 2026
Anniversary year honors one of the Holy City’s most recognizable landmarks while looking ahead to its future
In 2026, St. Michael’s Church is celebrating its 275th anniversary, honoring the church’s place in Charleston and American history while looking ahead to its future.
First commissioned in 1751 and completed in 1761, St. Michael’s is the oldest church building on the Charleston peninsula. It remains an active place of worship and one of the city’s most recognizable historic landmarks, welcoming parishioners as well as visitors drawn to its history, architecture and prominent place at the Four Corners of Law.
Its iconic 186-foot steeple has stood above the city for generations, serving at different points in its history as a navigational landmark, observation post and fire lookout. During the Revolutionary War, the steeple was targeted by British naval forces and painted black in an effort to make it less visible. It has also survived hurricanes, fires and the 1886 earthquake, with careful restoration helping to preserve it for future generations.
St. Michael’s steeple, bells, tower clock and historic pews have all played a role in the church’s story and its place within Charleston. The church also has deep ties to the founding of the United States.
St. Michael’s was 25 years old in 1776, when five of its parishioners played prominent roles in the founding of the country. Two signed the Declaration of Independence, while three signed the U.S. Constitution. George Washington also worshiped at St. Michael’s during his 1791 visit to Charleston, and his pew is still marked today. A commemorative plaque recognizing the 275th anniversary will be dedicated and installed later this year, and additional details about the plaque dedication and future visitor experiences will be announced as plans are finalized.
Throughout the anniversary year, the church is sharing more of this history through a monthly exhibition in the narthex. Each installment explores a different chapter in the story of St. Michael’s, from the founding of the parish and construction of the church to its architecture and connections to the Revolutionary era.
The church is also digitizing archival materials, including sermons and records dating back generations. The project will preserve these materials and make them easier for researchers, visitors and future generations to access.
“This anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect on the generations who have worshiped at St. Michael’s and helped shape the church we know today,” said the Rev. Al Zadig Jr., rector of St. Michael’s Church. “It is also a chance to think about what comes next and how we can preserve this special place, better welcome those who visit and continue sharing the Gospel for generations to come.”
Today, St. Michael’s continues to serve Charleston through worship, missions, community outreach, Bible studies and youth programming, while its online ministry extends the church’s reach to people across the country. As St. Michael’s looks to the future, its current $10 million Light to the Nations capital campaign supports the church’s ministry, mission and long-term needs. Additionally, the church is organizing the Friends of St. Michael’s, a fundraising initiative for those interested in supporting the preservation of the historic church and its mission work in Charleston and beyond.
As part of its efforts to welcome and engage the broader community, St. Michael’s is also expanding opportunities for visitors to experience the church and its nearly three centuries of history. Plans include self-guided audio tours, a new welcome video and the return of weekday docent-led tours highlighting the church’s history, architecture and ministry.
More information about the 275th anniversary and upcoming events is available at stmichaelschurch.net/275th.
About St. Michael’s Church
Located at 71 Broad Street at Charleston’s historic Four Corners of Law, St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church building on the Charleston peninsula. For 275 years, it has served as a place of worship, faith and community in the Holy City. To learn more, visit stmichaelschurch.net.
