I had another rare opportunity to visit Charleston and walk dozens of their historic streets in January. Not having enjoyed the city’s company in over a decade, except briefly before Christmas 2014, I was astounded at the monumental changes in traffic, roads, restorations, and the sheer number of people in downtown. Most were young, and I have never heard so many, “yes sirs” in my life. Coffee houses, restaurants, and clothing stores were everywhere. Many of the young professionals were with their significant others and/or their dogs. What a change for someone who would have never visited many of these same neighborhoods without a guard a short twenty years ago.
The city has become such a tourist and retirement Mecca that I am astounded they have left so much history intact. It seems to have found a lovely blend of old and new, which continues attracting money and more money. However, I was sadly witnessing the decay of some of the grand churches that Charlestonians constructed in the 19th century. Time and time again I saw bricks missing, paint peeling, wood decaying, and signage needing repair. As I reflect, how sad it is to witness such costly neglect. We are unfortunately now witnessing social changes in American society having negative ramifications on religious institutions. Fewer and fewer individuals are attending or thinking of financially supporting these monuments to God. Will America see churches becoming redundant in the proportions seen in Europe? I hope not! But I can’t see many congregations affording to maintain these architectural gems without a massive influx of money and people attending services who really love their church. Historic church architecture is some of the best America has to showcase, and it hurts me to see our monuments to God and mankind being neglected.
Enjoy the featured property, a lovely active historic church building, for now.