Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-11
AN HISTORIC U R
Begun in 1879 and Opened for Divine
Service Nine Years Later.

Begun in 1852 and Opened for Divine
Service Nine Years Later.
ST. Michaers Episcopal church. corner
OF Broad and Meeting streets, Charles
ton. 8. c.. was established June II. 1851.
The next year the actual work OF con-
struction was begun. and the nrst pub
lie services were held February I. 1851.
The bricks with which IL was built were
brought from England. and enough were
left over after the completion "of the
church to build the high fence that sur
rounds the graveyard, which Is In the
rear and on one side OF the church. The
structure, says the Buffalo Commercial,
was damaged by the fire Of British ar
tillery on James Island In 1850, struck
four times by the Federal artillery on
Morris Island. 1853 TO 1855: greatly In
jured by the cyclone of August q. 1855;
almos destroyed by the earthquake or
August 81. 1886. and reopened for wor-
ship June 10, 1851. having been restored TO
its former beauty by the generosity or
its members. At the foot Of the steps
ascending to the pulpit is an oblong hole
in the floor caused by a shell from the
Union forces, which crashed through the
chancel- window. burying itself In the
temple OF the Lord. A magnificent cham
Gel window, made by Tiffany. Of New
York, representing the dragon under the
feet OF Michael, the archangel. replaced
the shattered one. The organ. uit In
England in IN. though greatly injured
during the late war. was Repaired: OUT
two of this style OF organs were ever
built. George III. had one, which Is stiA
In existence. and Charleston the other.
The chimes were made in England in
I776, and Charlestonians tell how they
were captured, taken to Columbia.
broken by order OF General Sherman,
the pieces gathered together, sent TO
England. 10 per cent. new metal added.
were melted. recast, returned to st.
Michaels, and runs by the same old
colored man. who styles himself "Profes-
sor George Washington Maclean CASTOR"
These chimes are the admiration of every
Charlestonian, irrespective of creed. The
same old chandelier Is now In use. so
fondly do these Pensioners cling to old
remembrances. Candles were used until
twelve years ago. when gas-plpes were
run through the old chandelier. \ large,
square pew, In the centre OF the church.
belonging TO the Nanderhorst family.
the attention OF all strangers Is directed
to. In 1871 Washington. viewing the har-
Dor. md as was his custom on the Sab
bath. attended church, entered -.
Michaers, and was seated In this pew.
Many years later Robert f.. Lee entered
church unknown to the usher). was
.hown to this pew. and sat In the very
chair occupied by George Washington
SO many years ago. Also Princess Louise
sat in this same pew and chair when.
with her husband. Marquis of Lorne,
she visited Charleston a few years ago.
The venerable pastor. Rev. DIR. Trappier,
is 81 years old, and to hear him read the
commandments will repay the journey or
4 thousand miles. He is the wonder.
admiration, veneratlon of men OF all
and many will go 10 st. MichaeFs
TO hear the commandments read. leaving
he edifce Immediately after the reading
IS finished.