St. Luke's Chapel

St. Luke's Chapel is located in the beautiful historic district of Charleston, South Carolina, at the corner of Bee Street and Ashley Avenue. This historic, non-denominational chapel serves as a hall for religious and devotional services, convocations, concerts, weddings, memorial services, and other activities. It is available to all recognized campus organizations and individual students, faculty, and staff for specific functions, and to the general public as well. 

The beauty of the stained glass windows in the intimate setting (up to 265 guests) is perfect for a romantic wedding. Fees vary depending on the affiliation of the bride, groom or their parents to the University. A list of ministers associated with the Medical University Pastoral Care office, as well as musicians is available by contacting the Director. Costs for their services are not included in the reservation fee.

History of St. Luke’s Chapel

This popular non-denominational wedding location, located at the corner of Ashley Avenue and Bee Street, was originally part of a Federal arsenal built between 1825 and 1832 by the United States government. It was later obtained in 1879 by the Reverend Anthony Toomer Porter for the education of boys orphaned or left destitute by the Civil War. In 1883 Dr. Porter converted the artillery shed into a chapel. The building served Porter Academy students from 1883 to 1965.

The Medical College (now Medical University) of South Carolina took possession of the property at that time. The Chapel was rededicated on April 17, 1966, and renamed to honor the important biblical figure, St. Luke the Physician.

 In September of 1989, Hurricane Hugo severely damaged the building, and most of its contents were destroyed or made useless.

The rebuilding of the chapel began as soon as possible and it now meets modern standards of comfort and efficiency while retaining almost all of the building's historical appearance. St. Luke's Chapel was restored and rededicated on February 10, 1994, affirming MUSC's commitment to Health care and health education as an art with spiritual, ethical, emotional, and relational components.

The Kneeling Bench

You can find more information about the story of St. Luke's kneeling bench with the beautiful handwork of Adelaide Waller that was published in the campus publication,” The Catalyst: Work of art joins collection at St. Luke’s Chapel” by Leigh Fylstra, Public Relations.

The Organ

The Margaret S. Metcalf tracker organ was built after Hurricane Hugo destroyed the original in 1989. It was constructed specifically for this chapel after a thorough professional analysis of the acoustic potential of the building. The instrument has received praise from a wide variety of professional organists of state and national stature as well as those from the Charleston area. The pipe shade carvings depict South Carolina Lowcountry flora and fauna, and those on the tower are symbolic of the Greek god Apollo, the god of healing, radiating health and knowledge through several branches of the health professions. The oxen are symbols of St. Luke and stand for strength and sacrifice.

The tracker organ is dedicated to the memory of Margaret S. Metcalf by her husband, Professor Isaac S.H. (Ted) Metcalf, who was a member of the University faculty.

Location & Parking

Chapel Location

St. Luke's Chapel is located on the corner of Bee Street and Ashley Avenue.

181 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC
29425

Parking

View Parking Garage Map (PDF)
Please utilize metered street parking or park in one of the visitor lots on campus. The two closest parking garages are the President Street garage and the Ashley/Rutledge garage.

Wedding Parking

All parking arrangements for the Chapel are handled separately by the Office of Parking Management. Courtesy parking passes for the bridal party (attendants, minister, musicians, etc.) - both for the rehearsal and wedding - are included in your fee.

Two to three weeks prior to your ceremony contact the Office of Parking Management 843-792-3665 and ask for the Wedding Guest Parking Coordinator. Your parking passes for your wedding will be available at the Chapel for your wedding party to pick up during the rehearsal.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday through Friday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The chapel is closed on Monday.

Contact Us

Chapel Director

Elizabeth H. Brown
843-792-6775
843-792-0320 (fax)
browneli@musc.edu

181 Ashley Avenue, MSC 180
Charleston, SC 29425
(Corner of Bee Street and Ashley Avenue)