CTM: First Baptist and First Presbyterian Multi-Cache

Historical Information:

The First Baptist Church was the scene where the first southern state convention declared its separation from the United States of America. Delegates assembled here on December 17, 1860 and unanimously declared their intent that the State of South Carolina should secede from the Union. Although the convention met for only one day here in Columbia and signed the Ordinance of Secession only after reassembling in Charleston, Union troops still resented the tie to history this location held. Erected in 1859, the church building features a Roman Tuscan portico and Tuscan pilasters down the sides. The original First Baptist, built 1811 on the Sumter Street corner, was burned by Union Troops who mistook it for this church.

Cache Information:

Find the main First Baptist Marker.
A = Last digit of the year the present church was built
Find the Ordinance of Secession marker.
B= Last digit of the day they met in this church.

N 34° 0.30B W81° 1.8A1

Washington Street Methodist. The Methodist Church built here in 1832 was burned by Union Troops in February of 1865. The current church was made of salvaged brick and clay mortar.

Next Stage is at N 34 0.2F0 81 C.DEF

CDEF = Year church was burned


First Presbyterian Church constructed ca. 1854, is a fine example of early English Gothic architecture, characterized by a vaulted ribbed ceiling. Its 188-foot spire is one of Columbia’s most distinctive architectural features. Because the church’s spire was the tallest structure in Columbia at the time, Union artillerymen used it as target practice when firing their cannons from across the Congaree River. Although everything around it was destroyed in the fire, the First Presbyterian Church escaped destruction. Nearby you can see one of the original pillars of the State House that is now a dedicated to Presbyterians who died in the Civil War.

G = number of senators mentioned
H = The last two digits on the plaque added together

Final is located at N 34 0.GCH W 81 C.BDC

Permission granted by: First Presbyterian Church