Yesterday afternoon on a perfect Spring day in March, I decided to park my car in my old neighborhood and walk to King Street and visit the Preservation Society book and gift shop downtown.

On the way back, I decided to turn left and walk down an alleyway that led to Archdale Street, which is only about a block from where I lived for so many years. Side by side are two of Charleston’s oldest churches — St. John’s Lutheran and the Unitarian Church of Charleston. For the entire time I’ve visited and lived in the family home nearby taking care of my mother, I occasionally stopped what I was doing to listen the bell of St. John’s chime on the hour. I heard it again yesterday, counting as the bell sounded five times until 5 o’clock. I looked at my watch and that was the time precisely.

I was looking up and admiring the towers of both churches and then noticed that the tall iron gate leading into the Unitarian Church and graveyard was open, to my surprise, and I was able to enter and be enveloped by sunlight and birdsong in what can aptly be described as a cemetery garden. I cannot imagine a place as tranquil and beautiful in which to be interred. As I walked slowly among old graves and tombstones, azaleas in full bloom and birds singing g continuously as if overjoyed to be alive on this Spring day, time stood still in hushed reverence.

Here is some history about the old graveyard from Wikipedia:

“The Unitarian Church Cemetery in Charleston, established in 1772, is the second oldest cemetery on the Charleston peninsula. Originally part of the Archdale Street Meeting House built by the Society of Dissenters, the cemetery has evolved into a unique garden-like space, reflecting both historical significance and natural beauty.

“The Archdale Street Meeting House, now the Unitarian Church, was constructed to accommodate the growing congregation of the Independent Church, also known as the Society of Dissenters. The adjacent cemetery was established for the interment of church members and has been in continuous use since its inception.

“In 1831, the church designated the cemetery as a “garden cemetery,” allowing native plants to flourish among the gravesites. This approach created a naturalistic environment, with pathways winding through overgrown vegetation, giving the cemetery a distinctive, secluded atmosphere.

“The cemetery is associated with local legends, notably inspiring Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Annabel Lee.” While the tale of Annabel Lee is romanticized, the cemetery’s evocative ambiance continues to inspire visitors and artists alike.”

What a great visit to this quiet and peaceful sanctuary in the middle of downtown.
Here is an album of photos from that occasion:

Unitarian Church of Charleston Garden Cenetery.

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