Sidney Park Colored Methodist Episcopal Church 🇺🇸

When you visit Columbia, South Carolina, spending time at the historic Sidney Park Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (also known as Sidney Park Christian Methodist Episcopal Church) offers a meaningful look at both architectural beauty and civil rights history. Built in 1893, this landmark brick sanctuary was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. As you admire the exterior, you will witness a fine example of Late Gothic Revival architecture.

Look closely at its distinct visual elements, including lancet windows, pointed arches, sturdy wall buttresses, and an impressive heavy timber truss system. Notably, the building features the only set of octagonal towers in Columbia, with each tower topped by an octagonal steeple. Beyond its architectural craftsmanship, you are visiting a site with deep community roots.

The church's African-American congregation holds a long, influential history of involvement with civil rights activity, including a strong connection with the NAACP. Whether you are drawn by its unique structural details or its historic legacy in the civil rights movement, a stop at Sidney Park CME Church allows you to appreciate an enduring piece of Columbia's heritage firsthand.

What to see at Sidney Park Colored Methodist Episcopal Church

• Built in 1893 in the Late Gothic Revival architectural style
• Features Columbia's only set of octagonal towers topped with octagonal steeples
• Showcases lancet windows, pointed arches, wall buttresses, and heavy timber trusses
• Deep history of African-American civil rights involvement and NAACP connections
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996

Visiting tips

Take time to view Columbia's only set of octagonal towers and steeples from the outside to fully appreciate its Late Gothic Revival design.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Sidney Park Colored Methodist Episcopal Church is easy to reach on Columbia’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Columbia Museum of Art and First Presbyterian Church (Columbia). For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Columbia travel guide.