Do you know any of the fascinating history of the Catholic Church in South Carolina?
Even though Charles Town was founded in 1670 by the English, it was not until 1788 that Catholics could gather legally in Charleston. All other religious groups, including Jewish residents, were allowed to hold religious services. In 1789, the first parish in the southeastern U.S., Saint Mary's (above bottom right) was established.
On December 30, 1820, thirty-four year old Bishop John England (above) arrived in Charleston Harbor from Belfast, Ireland, having left his native city of Cork weeks earlier, to take charge of the newly-erected Diocese of Charleston, then formed by both Carolinas and Georgia. To say he had his work cut out is an understatement.
LISTEN to a special broadcast of "Walter Edgar's Journal" on South Carolina Public Radio where he and guests Dr. Patrick Cary of Marquette University and Dr. Alison McLetchie of South Carolina State University discuss the 200-year history of the Catholic Church in South Carolina. (Walter Edgar is the foremost historian of South Carolina history today. If you have not heard him, you will enjoy his beautiful voice and accent.) So, whether you are a South Carolina native or a transplant, enjoy this hour long broadcast to learn how the Catholic Church in the Palmetto State has gone from prohibition to a thriving contributor to society.
Click here for the broadcast.
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