Church of the Advent
The Episcopal Church of the Advent is one of the most significant and historic churches in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was founded in 1848, making it one of the oldest congregations in the area. The church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina and has played an important role in the spiritual, cultural, and civic life of Spartanburg for well over a century. The current sanctuary, completed in 1898, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring stained glass windows, pointed arches, and buttresses.
- The church’s congregation includes some of Spartanburg’s most influential families, and it has been a spiritual anchor for the community for generations.
- The first small chapel was built in the mid-1800s, but the growth of the congregation led to the construction of the larger and more elaborate Gothic Revival sanctuary.
- Many members of the church were directly involved in shaping Spartanburg’s economic and cultural development—especially in education and the textile industry.
- Dexter Edgar Converse (of Converse College fame) was among its prominent members.
- The churchyard includes memorials and markers related to Spartanburg’s history.