Historically Significant Churches

Scattered throughout the downtown area are a number of historically significant churches. Among these is Chestnut Street United Presbyterian Church. Built in 1858, the church has had a number of noted African-Americans as members.

Most Historic Congregation

Saint James Episcopal Church has the most historic congregation in Wilmington; its parish was established in 1729 and the original church was built in 1751. Used by the British as a stable during the Revolutionary War, the original building was razed in 1839. The current structure was built in 1840 and was used as a hospital by the Union forces during the Civil War. On the east and north sides of the church are the old burial grounds where notable persons of the period are interred.

Built during the 1860s, Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church also was used by Union forces as a stable. It burned in 1894 and was replaced by the present church.

Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, built in 1869, was the first Episcopal church for African-Americans in North Carolina.

Oldest Synagogue In NC

Temple of Israel, a unique Moorish style structure, was built in 1876 and is the oldest Jewish synagogue in North Carolina.

Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1908 in the Spanish Baroque architectural style. With a congregation dating back to 1760, the present First Presbyterian Church was built in 1928 replacing three structures built in the 1800s and destroyed by fire.

Having roots tracing back to as early as 1690, the First Baptist Church congregation was organized in 1833 and the church building was completed in 1870. The 197-foot spire was blown down by Hurricane Fran in 1996 and immediately replaced.