What if these walls could talk? They would tell tales of resilience. They would speak of faith and freedom. Right here stands First Bryan Baptist Church. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Savannah’s African American community.
First Bryan Baptist Church has a rich history. It dates back to 1788. Andrew Bryan, a former slave, founded it. He purchased his freedom and the land where we stand. This makes it the oldest piece of real estate continuously owned by Black people in the United States. Imagine that for a moment.
Let’s step back in time. Picture George Liele. He was a slave. He preached to fellow slaves on nearby plantations. His efforts led to the conversion of Andrew Bryan, his wife Hannah, Kate Hogg, and Hagar Simpson. These four became the nucleus of this church.
Initially, services were held in a rough wooden building in Yamacraw. A white man named Edward Davis permitted this. Later, they moved to a lot on Mill Street. Thomas Gibbons provided it. Today, the U.S. Post Office stands on that site.
Andrew Bryan secured his freedom. He purchased this land for about $150. He erected a church in 1794. By 1800, the congregation had grown so much that it split. Some members formed Second and Third African Baptist churches. Those who remained here took the name First African Baptist Church.
Over the years, First Bryan Baptist Church faced many challenges. There were doctrinal disputes. In 1832, a split occurred. Some members left with Reverend Marshall. They established the First African Baptist Church on Franklin Square. Those who remained stayed here.
Despite these challenges, First Bryan Baptist Church persevered. In 1861, Reverend Ulysses L. Houston became pastor. Under his leadership, the church prospered. It became a vital center for the community.
Before the Civil War, James Merilus Simms played a crucial role. He was a trustee and minister. He went to Richmond, Virginia. He returned with a preliminary draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. He shared it with Savannah’s Black leaders.
In 1873, the congregation decided to build a new church. John B. Hogg, a civil engineer, created the plans free of charge. The cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1873. The Grand Lodge of Colored Masons in Georgia officiated. The cornerstone contained a copper box. Inside were artifacts donated by members.
Black mechanics exclusively did the labor. The architecture is Corinthian. It resembles Wesley Chapel in London and Trinity Methodist Church in Savannah. The building is 75 feet long and 56 feet wide. It can seat 1,500 people.
The new First Bryan Baptist Church was completed in 1888. It was one hundred years after the church’s founding. Special services marked the occasion. That same year, Reverend James Merilus Simms wrote the first history of the church.
In 1956, the Education Building was dedicated. It contains classrooms and offices. It also has an assembly hall named for Dr. M. P. Sessoms. He was a long-time superintendent.
First Bryan Baptist Church stands as a symbol of faith. It represents perseverance and community. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Savannah’s African Americans. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This ensured its preservation for generations to come. Remember the stories of those who came before us as we leave this place. Let their spirit guide us.