An Inspired View: The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Charleston has had many monikers over the years. By 1740 it was referred to as “Little London” as it was the most cosmopolitan city in America. It has been called “the jewel in the crown” of our country for its varied and beautiful architecture, yet most residents refer to it as the “Holy City” for the many churches that grace the town. Unlike other cities in America, Charleston’s skyline is peppered with towering spires and bell towers which give it a European feel.
In 1821, The Right Reverend John England was given the task to lead the diocese of Georgia and the Carolinas. Soon after his arrival in Charleston he supervised the construction of a wooden house of worship that would serve the congregation until a Cathedral could be built in its place. Unfortunately, he would not live to see the construction of the first Cathedral in 1854, situated at Broad and Legare Streets. The current Cathedral is the third structure in this place where Catholics have worshipped since the early nineteenth century.
In spring of 2010, The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist received a much wanted addition, that of a steeple. The Cathedral, completed in 1907, is a relative newcomer to the cityscape. Its predecessor, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. Finbar was decimated by the flames of the great fire of 1861 that burned east to west across the peninsula. That religious structure was the largest of its kind constructed in the antebellum period with its nave measuring 54 feet and its tower reaching 200 feet toward heaven. The current Cathedral was designed by Patrick Keely and Decimus Barbot in the Gothic revival style and it took seven years to build because of the lack of funding as this was only four decades following the Civil War. Its current bold and large edifice is a testament to the congregation and their devotion to create an ornate presence representing their faith; however, the 100 foot designed tower and steeple was never constructed. Several years ago, the congregation decided to make the addition of a steeple a priority.
The brownstone Cathedral boasts 14 stained glass windows that were made in Germany by the Franz Mayer Company including a large rosette window which is situated above the altar. The detailed plasterwork inside the Cathedral is also noteworthy. For over 100 years the congregation had planned to eventually add a steeple to this gem on Broad Street, and this spring that addition became a reality.
The design of the 82 foot steeple was created by Glenn Keyes Architects and constructed by Hightower Construction Company. The innovative team created the steeple out of modern materials that are lighter and more durable than their traditional counterparts. The steeple, made of precast concrete, matches the historic fabric of the church while the copper spire adds interest with its gilded 16 foot cross topping the spire. Bishop Guglielmone, the current Bishop, blessed the three new bells from France that are housed in the bell tower. The steeple, with its tower and cross, will measure 160 feet tall and will complete the dreams of the past and current congregations.
The steeple is a beautiful adornment to the city’s skyline, and visitors and residents alike will be charmed by the sweet cacophony of the bells as they welcome parishioners to worship. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist lies in easy walking distance within the historic district and is often open to the public.
All the bells are the voice of the town.
They speak for her silences, which are eloquent.Dubose Heyward