Holy Catfish....What a Change in the Holy City!

Holy Catfish...

What a Change in the Holy City!

By: Benjamin J. Chewning

In my opinion, it would be rare to go back to a place, whether large city or small town, after over a decade and not see change. In fact, to take it a step further, I believe it would be rare to not to see a “ton” of change. That being said, I would usually be thinking of change in a manner that would be mostly illustrated by the advent of new buildings, homes, neighborhoods, stores, etc. While on a recent trip to visit family and friends in Charleston, South Carolina, I saw those same familiar “changes”. There are many tower cranes present, many new buildings (that weren’t there the last time I was in town), new restaurants, and many new folks. But, the change that surprised me most was not a change you can take a picture of. I spent much of my life in South Carolina and went to dive school in North Charleston, at the old Navy base (closed in 1996), on the Cooper River. I am by no means a historian or scholar on the city, the state, or southern culture. But, I am a “Southerner” who grew up in the South and who knows a thing or two

about southern hospitality, manners, and what is expected of folks who also grew up in the South. While going to school in the Charleston area, all of these things mentioned were a part of my life there and a part of the life of the folks all around me who inhabited the area. While there are many folks there who are instantly recognizable as folks who view things the same as me; there is also an entirely “new to me” group of folks who have certainly not been brought up with those same southern values. I am not judging anyone who doesn’t see things the same way I see them, talk the way I talk, or go out of their way to be polite…I’m just saying that the population seems much different than that of what I remember. After a little research, I quickly understood why the change in such a southern city. Just in the past year the city has had a population growth rate of 1.4%. It is said that there are around

30 people per day, moving into just the Charleston Metro Area. This may not seem like a lot but, it does mean that it is 4 times the national average. Far removed from living in South Carolina, it is easy for me to see the changes taking place and anyone who has been living there this past decade, who isn’t walking or taking an Uber, can see the change as well. Driving on the same roads with the new influx of folks will definitely get a few tempers flared, as I saw firsthand with my friends and family.

While there are many changes to population, there are many things that have not changed and hopefully will not. The historical city architecture, waterways, and skyline are a few things I personally hope never change. You can look across the skyline from the water and see the steeples of churches towering above the other buildings and structures, “the Holy City”. No building can be

built higher than Charleston’s tallest church steeple. While I am typically not of fan of zoning agencies or the restrictions they place on landowners, I have to say I love this one. First, as a Christian, I like the idea that a governmental agency still recognizes something about the church or anything with a spiritual nature. That in itself seems extremely rare in the day and age in which we live now. But, second, I really don’t think most folks, like me, who love the water, want every waterfront city to look like Fort Lauderdale and Miami. I lived in Martin County Florida for some time and always appreciated the fact they didn’t allow for any structures over 3 stories, for that same reason. Whether you are a “Southerner” or not it makes no difference in appreciating the beautiful city that is Charleston, South Carolina; her beautiful waterways and her geographical makeup are exquisite and one of a

kind. The architecture in Charleston has been featured in more artwork than you could shake the proverbial stick at, the city’s history is as rich as Uncle Scrooge’s bank account, and if you have never visited, it is in my humble opinion that you should, especially if you consider yourself a water lover. According to a Google search, there are nearly 5,000 restaurants in the Charleston area. So, that means plenty of opportunity for fresh seafood and excellent dining options. Charleston offers many boat tours, if you don’t visit with your own vessel.

The green and white ferry pictured in this article will take you to Fort Sumter and give you a water view of the city for just thirty two bucks. A little internet searching will provide you with many other affordable options, as well.

In closing, I have gone through many changes in my own life, some good…some bad…and, through the changes there are still plenty of folks in my life I love and who love me back. Charleston, the Holy City, has gone through many more changes than I will ever go through and will certainly still be loved by many, no matter what the change; and I am sure I will continue to say “holy catfish”, what a change every time I go back to the Holy City in the future.