12.11.2023

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Today’s Forecast

66º | Heavy thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.

Here’s the steeple

A look at some of Columbia’s historic steeples

This congregation first met in the State House and on the USC Horseshoe. | Photo by COLAtoday

Columbia’s churches are key pieces of the Soda City’s history, a few of which date back to our city’s earliest days.

Inspired by this issue of Sandlapper magazine and the sketches of Historic Churches by local artist Blue Sky (then known as Warren Johnson), we circled back to share how they appear today.

With so many local churches steeped in rich history, let us know which to highlight next.

First Presbyterian Church

Steeple style: English gothic spire
Organized: 1795
Constructed: 1813 + 1853

Before the First Presbyterian congregation moved into the current location, they met at the State House and in the chapel on the horseshoe. Then known as “First Presbyterian Church of the Town of Columbia,” this church’s spire has been through a lot.

Although it survived Sherman’s march, its 180-ft spire was destroyed by an 1875 hurricane and then rebuilt in 1888. After a 1910 fire, the steeple was rebuilt with an additional eight feet in height.

Located on the corner of Gervais and Sumter Streets, this historic church draws the eyes of passersby. | Photo by COLAtoday

Trinity Episcopal Church

Steeple style: Gothic
Organized: 1813
Constructed: 1840

Located across the street from the State House, this has become one of the most recognizable churches in the Capital City. The church has its digital archives collection available through the SCDL (South Carolina Digital Library), allowing everyone to explore its past. Some of our state’s most recognizable names, including six governors and Revolutionary War heroes, are buried under the oaks and magnolia trees outside.

This present building was completed in 1875. | Photo by COLAtoday

Washington Street Methodist Church

Steeple style: Gothic revival
Organized: 1803
Constructed: 1831, 1866 + 1875

Organized almost exactly 220 years ago today, this historic church was burned during Sherman’s march through Columbia in 1865. A sanctuary was temporarily constructed from salvaged brick after the fire, and the current building was finished in 1875.

Fun fact: The boxwood plants in the courtyard are cuttings from the original stock of plants from George Washington’s Mount Vernon home.

Events

Monday, Dec. 11

Holiday Shopping Spree for Seniors | Monday, Dec. 11-Friday, Dec. 15 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Dedicated Senior Medical Center - Fairwold location, 5900 N. Main St., Columbia | Free | Meet and greet with the care team and take home a holiday package to make your season bright.

Tuesday, Dec. 12

HEXIS, Midwest Lust, All You Need Is Kill, Bathe | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7:30-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $15 | HEXIS continue their unique blend of dark and dynamic hardcore and sludge with black metal, post-metal, and ambient passages.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Holiday Market at Richland Library | Wednesday, Dec. 13, Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library-Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Price of purchase | The Holiday Market is not just about commerce; it’s a celebration of the vibrant tapestry of our local talents and a showcase of the spirit of giving that defines this time of year.
Holiday Soiree | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Indah Coffee, 2238 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Blues and Americana singer, songwriter, and guitarist Marv Ward is proud to announce the release of his new book, Bar Stool Poet.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Meeting Street Artisan Market: Night Edition | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | Enjoy a boutique shopping experience, park, play, eat + explore at the Meeting Street Artisan Market every second Thursday, from 4-8 p.m.
Women in Philanthropy’s Leadership Breakfast | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7:30-9 a.m. | The Palmetto Club, 1231 Sumter St., Columbia | $30-$40 | Enjoy breakfast at The Palmetto Club with Women in Philanthropy, celebrate women leading the way, and hear from keynote speaker, Judge J. Michelle Childs.*

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Cause

Business

Meet Hickory Top Farm, LS3P Columbia’s latest Design In-Kind project

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner

The Therapeutic Riding Program at Hickory Top Farm helps individuals with unique challenges find their voice, gain confidence, and improve motor skills. | Photos provided by LS3P

Local architecture firm LS3P has teamed up with Hickory Top Farm — a 60-acre farm in Eastover — to design a master plan for the 501(c)3 nonprofit as part of LS3P’s pro bono program, Design In-Kind.

The establishment of Hickory Top Farm will provide new programs for people of all abilities, such as “In the Company of Horses,” a unique wellness program that helps people of all ages understand the value of awareness, slowing down, and being present in the moment. Additional programs include:

Therapeutic horsemanship
Literacy and Horse — which empowers readers to discover their voice and gain confidence as they engage with their audience: a horse.

LS3P’s plan includes renovations + potential new facilities. Since its founding, LS3P has been committed to pro bono work for a broad range of community partners, ranging in scale from small-scale signage to large affordable housing developments, with each organization in need of design assistance to further their missions.

Explore past Design-In Kind projects

News Notes

Open

San Jose, a Mexican restaurant chain with nearly 20 locations in the Midlands, has opened a new spot at 3340 Highway 378, Leesville, overlooking Lake Murray. This is the second Mexican restaurant opening on Lake Murray in 2023, following Na’cho Margarita in Prosperity.

Closed

Spotlight Cinemas on St. Andrews Road, a longtime discount movie theater for over four decades, has closed. The theater was known for its $3 second-run movies. (The State)

Sports

SC State University named Chennis Berry, former Benedict College coach, as the new football head coach, succeeding Buddy Pough, who led the Bulldogs for 22 seasons. Berry found success in his two seasons at Benedict, including back-to-back 11-1 records. (WLTX)

Theater

The Free Times looked back at 2023 and the year in theater in the Midlands, highlighting several top performances. And the award for best revival of a modern classic goes to — “Torch Song” at Workshop Theatre.

Concert

The 282nd Army Band from Fort Jackson returns with free holiday concerts on Dec. 13 at Koger Center and Dec. 16 at Sumter Opera House. The festive 75-minute shows feature holiday classics, celebrating through a soldier’s perspective. Free entry at Koger Center; tickets required for Sumter Opera House. (Cola Daily)

Health

The SC Department of Mental Health and the SC Afterschool Alliance are launching a new initiative to provide mental health resources in afterschool programs. This program aims to train staff in mental health first aid and trauma-informed care, serving over 100,000 students. (WIS)

Travel

Bon appétit. Start planning the ultimate foodie getaway to Greenville. Choose from 200+ restaurants in downtown Greenville, a quarter of which are international dining destinations.*

Eat

Baby, it’s cold outside. Try this potato and leek soup to warm you up.*

Featured Deal

Choose from luxurious retreats with beautiful views to affordable escapes close to the action. Book a stay in Greenville.*

Outdoors

Look at how these stars shine for you

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week

State House -0313.jpg — The Melton Observatory is a great spot for viewing the stars. | Photo by COLAtoday

The Geminids meteor shower is predicted to peak on Wednesday, Dec. 13 + Thursday, Dec. 14. According to NASA, this dazzling annual shower is considered “one of the best and most reliable.”

Read up on where and when to catch the cosmic light show.

Do you want to see stars over our city — even downtown? Follow these recommendations from the International Dark Sky Association.

Help measure night sky brightness as a “citizen-scientist” with Globe at Night.

Join the IDSW scavenger hunt. You’ll start by downloading the free hunt card. Record your progress, send the completed card to IDA, and claim some free Dark Sky stickers.

Write a letter to the editor of your (second) favorite newsletter, paper, or magazine. No debate skills necessary — just follow the playbook and make a case for dark skies.

Become a Dark Sky Advocate. Want more star parties, dark city walks, and collaboration with local organizations? Help protect the night as a local point of contact for IDA.

Find local stargazing events. Consider supporting Midlands Astronomy Club. Or, plan a trip to your nearest Dark Site and tag us on Instagram (@COLAtoday) with your view of the night sky.

The Buy

The Buy 12.11.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A stocking stuffer from this unique collection. Think: sleep mist, beard combs, satin scrunchies, and specialty seasoning packs.

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The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

The 1600 Block of Main Street is arguably the district’s most popular block, but the iconic Tapp’s building has struggled to find its forever tenant. Looking forward to 2024, what would you like to see in the building? Help us dream big for this spot.

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