Eastern USA Intriguing and Historical Churches

Edifices of worship, prayer and moral community have provided their congregation's stability and shelter spanning generations and sometimes even centuries. Ecclesiastical architecture is meant to inspire and provide essential meeting space for institutional activities and shared rituals. Each of these profiled churches offers a unique narrative and presence within their respective communities. Their accompanying profiles document their origins, histories, and in many instances architectural context. The selection transcends religious denominations, philosophies and chains of leadership. Some have incurred infamous scandals and others became the site for exceptional events. Whether offbeat or conventional, each has contributed towards a legacy within their communities. They singularly and collectively portray the diversity of religious institutions within the Eastern United States. CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINAFirst Baptist, Second Presbyterian, First Scots Presbyterian, St. John's Lutheran, Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal, St. Stephen's Episcopal, St. Philip's, French Protestant Huguenot, Grace Episcopal, Unitarian, St. Michael's, New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist, St. Matthew's Lutheran, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Circular Congregational MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINASolid Rock Baptist PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIAFirst Presbyterian, Saint John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic, Mount Washington United Methodist, Smithfield Church of Christ and St. Mary of Mercy/Divine Mercy CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINASt. Peter's Catholic and Myers Park United Methodist RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINAHoly Name of Jesus Cathedral ANNAPOLIS, MARYLANDSt. Mary's, St. Anne's Parish and Naval Academy Chapel BALTIMORE, MARYLANDOur Lady of Good Counsel, Basilica of the Assumption Cathedral, St. Mary's Seminary Chapel, St. Vincent de Paul and Zion Lutheran BOWIE, MARYLANDSacred Heart Catholic CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIAResurrection Church, St. George Orthodox and Simpson Memorial United Methodist HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIAB'Nai Sholom, Trinity Episcopal, First Congregational United Church of Christ and Second Presbyterian LEWISBURG, WEST VIRGINIALewisburg United Methodist WASHINGTON D. C.St. John's Episcopal and New York Avenue Presbyterian ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIAShiloh Baptist and St. George's Episcopal RICHMOND, VIRGINAOld St. John's Church