Exploring the Spiritual and Sacred Side of North Charleston, SC

North Charleston may not be the first place you think of when it comes to spirituality and sacred sites, but this charming coastal city is actually home to a diverse array of religious traditions and practices. From majestic churches that have stood for centuries to hidden gems tucked away in unexpected places, there are plenty of opportunities to delve into the spiritual side of life in North Charleston.

One mustvisit site is the Circular Congregational Church (150 Meeting St.), a historic church that dates back to 1681. With its distinctive circular shape and stunning stained glass windows, its not hard to see why this church has been a beacon for both worshippers and tourists alike. Another notable church is Mother Emanuel AME Church (110 Calhoun St.), which tragically became known around the world as the site of a mass shooting in 2015. However, its important not to let that one event obscure the incredible history and resilience of this congregation.

For those interested in Eastern religions or alternative forms of spirituality, there are also several options worth exploring. The Holy City Zen Center (11 Magnolia Rd.) offers meditation sessions rooted in Buddhist tradition multiple times per week. Meanwhile, Dragonfly Yoga Studio (1097 King St.) features classes on yoga practice as well as other holistic approaches like reiki healing.

But perhaps some of the most interesting locations can be found offthebeatenpath sometimes quite literally! Saint Benedict Catholic Church Cemetery (155 Broad St.) may seem like just another cemetery at first glance, but deeper exploration reveals intriguing symbols used by followers who practiced ancient African religions secretly amid gospel themes after enslavement ended during Reconstruction following Civil War from 1865 through 1877.

Similarly fascinating oddities await at Fordeck Street Chapel Ruins & Graveyard West Ashley Greenway Trailhead near Albemarle Road Bridge (33.0105 N, 80.0741 W), where a crumbling brick chapel stands in the shadow of a highway overpass and two gravestones mark the resting place of Confederate soldiers from Civil War times.

Whether youre searching for divine inspiration or simply interested in exploring North Charlestons cultural richness, there are plenty of spiritual sites to discover throughout this vibrant city by the sea.

Websites:

Circular Congregational Church: circularchurch.org

Mother Emanuel AME Church: emanuelamechurch.org

Holy City Zen Center: holycityzencenter.org

Dragonfly Yoga Studio: dragonflyyogastudio.net

Twitter:

Circular Congregational Church: @Circular1670

Holy City Zen Center: @holycityzen