Seeing the Obvious

The obvious has a peculiar way of going unnoticed. You have to look and look and look before you really see. Take, for example, St. Philip’s Church and its three porticoes.

Most churches you see in Charleston and elsewhere have one or several entrances on the same side of the building. And, if there is a portico, there is just one.

St. Philip’s, however, is uniquely situated with long views of both sides. And because the street bends around the front entrance, which is rarely used, that side is easily overlooked. But it is worth a few minutes to stand across the street from it and let yourself gaze.

From across the street you see that the front is broader than the two sides due to the glass windows. And although the front appears smaller (because of the cramped space it is in), the designers made sure that all three porticoes were the same size—the width of the steeple base.

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It is interesting to look at these photos and imagine the building without the neoclassical porticoes and pediments. Architecturally it would work, but their addition provides the steeple with a prominent foundation and lends majesty to the building. In fact, the more you look at the entire structure, the more beauty and harmony you start to  see.

While you’re looking, don’t forget to admire the massive gates on either side, as well as the gate across the street at the entrance to the graveyard. ¶

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St. Philip’s Church
142 Church St.
(843) 722-7734
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