“When the First African Baptist Church of Savannah separated. Where did everyone go?” That’s a question many ask. Today we stand before a beacon of faith Israelite Baptist Church. It’s a testament to resilience. Its story intertwines with Savannah’s complex past.
First African Baptist Church played a key role in Savannah’s history. It claims roots as the first black Baptist congregation in North America. This claim is disputed. Silver Bluff Baptist Church in South Carolina and First Baptist Church of Petersburg Virginia also stake claims. Despite the debate First African Baptist’s impact is undeniable.
Its history began with George Leile. He was a slave. He became the first African American licensed by Baptists to preach in Georgia in 1773. Leile converted early members of the Savannah church. His preaching reached slaves on plantations along the Savannah River in Georgia and South Carolina.
British occupation shaped the church’s early years. Leile fled to British-occupied Savannah in 1778. He sought safety behind British lines. The British offered freedom to slaves escaping rebel masters. David George and followers from Silver Bluff also went to Savannah for freedom. They joined Leile’s group. Andrew Bryan and his wife Hannah converted in 1782. Bryan became a key preacher and leader.
The British evacuated hundreds of blacks from Savannah in 1782. Some went to Nova Scotia others to London. Leile and his family sailed to Jamaica. George and his family went to Nova Scotia. Both founded Baptist congregations in their new homes. George later migrated to Sierra Leone and planted another church.
Andrew Bryan stayed in Savannah. He purchased his and his wife’s freedom. He organized slaves despite persecution. He became the church’s first pastor.
First African Baptist Church gained official recognition on January 20 1788. It had 67 members. They met at Brampton’s barn three miles west of Savannah. Reverend Abraham Marshall a European-American minister recognized them. He had a free black assistant Jesse Peter. Peter also helped found Silver Bluff Baptist Church. Marshall examined and baptized members that day.
In 1794 the congregation built a frame structure. It was on land Bryan bought the year before. They named it Bryan Street African Baptist Church. Bryan saw the church grow to over 400 members. His brother Sampson remained a slave and assisted him.
By 1800 the church had 700 members. In 1802 Bryan Street became First African Baptist Church. Two other black congregations were founded. These were Second African Baptist Church and Ogeechee Third Baptist Church.
Andrew C. Marshall Bryan’s nephew became pastor in 1815. In 1822 First Colored Baptist Church and Second Colored Baptist Church recombined. They became First African Baptist Church. The church organized the first Sunday School for African Americans on July 26 1826. The Independent Presbyterian Church endorsed it.
By 1830 the congregation had 2417 members. In 1832 a split occurred over doctrinal issues. Some felt Marshall was too influenced by Alexander Campbell. Marshall and over 2600 members left. They kept the name First African Baptist. They bought a building near Franklin Square. It had belonged to the First Baptist Church.
In the 1850s they built a new sanctuary near Franklin Square. First African Baptist has occupied it continuously since then. The Bryan Street congregation now fewer than 200 kept the original building. They took the name Third Baptist Church. Later they renamed it First Bryan Baptist Church.
In 1888 there was competition to be declared the first church in Georgia. The Georgia Convention examined claims. First African Baptist of Savannah was named the banner church. This was due to Marshall’s leadership during the 1830s.
Today the First African Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It’s a landmark of African American history. It reminds us of the struggles and triumphs on the path to freedom. It is a member of the National Baptist Convention. It is also a member of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia.
So as we stand here before Israelite Baptist Church remember its connection to First African Baptist Church. Remember the enduring legacy of faith and community.