Our congregation was established in 1731 when twelve Scottish families separated themselves amicably from the Independent Meeting House (now the Circular Congregational Church).  This separation allowed them to govern themselves according to the forms and discipline of the Church of Scotland as opposed to the congregational system.  

One of the ways in which this Scottish heritage is reflected in our present sanctuary is through the image of the seal of the Church of Scotland (above left),  depicted in the central window of the rear balcony.  In the seal, the burning bush is encircled by the Latin inscription "Nec tamen consumebatur," meaning "Nevertheless it was not consumed."  

We celebrate this aspect of our history on Scottish Heritage Sunday each September with kilts, bagpipes, and the Kirkin' o' th' Tartan.

Joyce and Clark Remsburg

A quick  history of First (Scots) appears on the web as part of a series on Charleston's Historic and Community Buildings, associated with the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service.  Focusing on architecture, it includes two attractive photos.

The Index of Graveyard Records lists the names and death dates of 800 people buried in First (Scots)'s historic graveyard. 

Between 1800 and 1863, silver and pewter tokens were used at First (Scots) to admit communicants to the Lord's Supper.  

The definitive history of First (Scots) is Dr. Edward Guerrant Lilly's Beyond the Burning Bush, 2nd ed. (Columbia, SC: The R. L. Bryan Co.), 1986.  This book is available in the church office.

About the Archives Committee