History in Our Own Backyard: First African Baptist Church, Savannah, Ga.

By Bryan Rollins

One of the best things about living in the Lowcountry is all of the history that is right in our own backyard. Everywhere you go throughout Beaufort County and Savannah, there are historical markers that tell of the significance of the dirt under our feet. Many times, there are historical treasures we are not even aware of around us. We could even go on our own little “National Treasure” hunt without ever having to go on a long trip. Imagine what’s in our own backyard that we have not even discovered yet?

February is National Black History Month; so, I wanted to explore the history of the oldest continually active African-American church in North America, located right in our own backyard in Savannah, Ga. First African Baptist Church was organized in 1773 under the leadership of Rev. George Leile. In May 1775, Rev. Leile was ordained as the pastor, and in December 1777, the church was officially constituted as a body of organized believers.

George Leile was an emancipated slave who answered a call to serve as a missionary to slaves in his community. He saw an opportunity to lead others to Jesus in his local context. His work led to many slaves converting to Christianity and other pastors being raised up to lead separate autonomous congregations from Savannah on up to Augusta. Lisle was also the first American missionary. He and his family moved to Jamaica in 1782, where he started a church in Kingston.

The First African Baptist Church still meets in Savannah, and you can see it today! The church building, located at the corner of West Bryan and Montgomery streets, is a National Historic Landmark and was completed in 1859 under the direction of the fourth pastor, Reverend William J. Campbell. The baptismal pool and light fixtures are all original to the church, as well as the solid oak pews in the balcony.

What a legacy this church represents! George Leile had a desire to see others in his community understand and find faith in Jesus Christ, and God used him to start a movement that would see countless churches started and communities transformed. How is God calling you to be a messenger here in Beaufort County? What passions has God given you that you could use to serve in your local church and local community?

Bryan Rollins lives in Bluffton with his wife Erica and their two dogs, Mia and Gracie.

Sources

Leonard, Bill J., Baptist Ways: A History. Judson Press, Valley Forge, PA 2003, ISB 19482-0851

First African Baptist Church, https://firstafricanbc.com/