Save our Sanctuary: Preserve Historic Gothic Revival Church

SOS (Save Our Sanctuary): Preserve Historic Gothic Revival Church

In 1859, Francis D. Lee, Charleston's premier Gothic Revival architect, designed a unique church for the St. Luke Episcopal Church in the historic Wraggborough neighborhood. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Charleston and is a contributing building on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in the shape of a Greek cross, the church boasts a 37-foot stained glass window on each side and 55-foot vaulted ceilings, but it was not completed until 1862 because of the Civil War. The church was bombed during the war but survived and served the original congregation until 1949. The New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church purchased the property in 1950, a historic congregation that was founded in 1875 and rebuilt under the leadership of Reverend DJ Jenkins, founder of Jenkin's Orphanage.

Currently, we are a small but tenacious and steadfast congregation. However, the challenges of the pandemic, membership decline, and ongoing hardships have made it extremely difficult to repair past damage and continue to maintain this sacred space. The deterioration has led to a complete shutdown of the sanctuary.

Historic Charleston Foundation Artis Construction, Glen Keyes Architects, and Reggie Gibson Architects have partnered to donate time, services, a laser scan, and structural assessment to bring critical attention to the condition of the roof and its need for immediate stabilization. A temporary roof cover is the first step in the rehabilitation process and is urgently needed. The temporary covering has an estimated cost of $28,600. This roof cover is CRITICAL to the overall preservation of this structure and an important first step to protect the building until additional funding can be secured to complete the rehabilitation of the church.

With the hurricane season approaching, time is of the essence to prevent further deterioration. As we strive to maintain our presence in this neighborhood, we are earnestly requesting donations to stabilize our beloved sanctuary. Your donation will go directly to the congregation at New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church to preserve the 168 year old church. We are confident the church building can serve the community once it is rehabilitated, and the roof cover is the first step.

Matthew 7:24: "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."