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It  was my pleasure to welcome to Charleston, for a historic tour, and lunch!  From Johnakin Middle School – Mr. Foxworth’s 8th grade history class.  Thanks to all for coming

These students were in the play FRANCIS MARION  (CD Joyner Auditorium, Marion, SC) – and are so appreciated for their hard work and stellar performance.  The play was filmed and available on my Vimeo channel and also on Streamable Learning!  Now available world wide!  Following also a SWAMP tour through the PEE DEE – 1780 – 1782, Francis Marion and his men their walked and rode through the Revolutionary War.

Today started at the Old Exchange -with Kevin their history guide – from the dungeon and jail where it still exists from 1771 to the entire beautiful building where General Washington often visited and danced. History exists in this building, as it has witnessed so much of our Revolutionary War happenings.

Next lunch on the Charleston Harbor!  The wind blew and it was a beautiful day.

And then walking through the Charleston Market, ending at my beloved church – St.Philips on Church Street.

Then Fr. Brian McGeevey inside Narthex with students.

We were joined there by Fr Brian McGreevey, St. Philips priest, a historian and a member of the Charleston 250. Here in the graveyard are the burials going back to 1690, and more importantly, many who fought in the Revolutionary War.  These students found many that they portrayed in the play -mainly:  Rebecca Brewton Motte and Christopher Gadsden.  Here they are shown with Gadsden’s burial site and the marker with all the historical information.

Fr. McGreevey opened the church and while in the Narthex, all students were shown on the wall where General Moultrie’s plaque was placed.  Moultrie attended St.Philips Church, along with many others that served.  The story of Robert Smith, St. Philips’  rector on Sunday and then on Monday serving with the militia!  He was also the rector who was the sponsor of the first school for African American Girls, and opened the church door and pews to all, and that included the white people as well as African American sitting together. (until the laws were changed later in the 1800’s)

The students were taken inside the church for a quick history, and were in awe of the beauty of the angels and balcony that was present.

Much to see and learn within the sanctuary of this beautiful church, and these gifted students did Ake advantage of this time!

Blessings to all who came today, and especially to Kevin Sager and Fr. McGreevey for their time and love of our history.

Linda Dennis

May 26, 2026

NOTE:  Soon St. Philips Church will open for tours daily.  It is located on Church Street.

Also the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is on Broad and E. Bay and is open daily.