First African Baptist Church, Savannah
First African Baptist Church
First African Baptist Church
4.5
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
About
First African Baptist Church was organized in 1773 under the leadership of Reverend George Leile and established and constituted in December of 1777 as a body organized believers. Under the leadership of the 3rd Pastor Reverend Andrew C. Marshall, the congregation obtained the property where the present sanctuary stands. Marshall also organized the first black Sunday school in North America and changed the name of the church from “First Colored Baptist” to “First African Baptist”. The sanctuary was completed in 1859 under the direction of the 4th Pastor Reverend William J. Campbell. The ceiling of the church is in the design of a “Nine Patch Quilt” which represented that the church was a safe house for slaves. Beneath the lower auditorium floor is another finished sub floor which is known as the “Underground Railroad”. There is 4ft of height between both floors. The holes in the floor are in the shape of an African prayer symbol known as a Congolese Cosmogram that served a purpose of ventilation. First African Baptist Church has been a place of leadership and service since its inception. Reverend Emmanuel King Love, 6th Pastor, led the movement to establish Savannah State University, formerly known as Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth. Rev. Love also played a big role in the establishment of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and Paine College in Augusta, GA. During the time of segregation the church served as the largest gathering place for blacks and whites to meet. Visitors from all walks of life have visited out sanctuary and left inspired. TOUR RATES: Adults = $7.00; Seniors = $6.00; Students = $6.00; Children Ages 5 & Under = FREE. TOUR HOURS OF OPERATION: Tuesday - Saturday = 11:00 a.m. & 2:00p.m. Sunday = 1:00p.m.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Historic District - North
Best nearby
Restaurants
375 within 3 miles

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2,297
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Fusion

Alligator Soul
2,098
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Vegetarian Friendly

Goose Feathers an Express Cafe & Bakery
3,474
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Maple Street Biscuit Company - Savannah
180
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Savannah Candy Kitchen
523
239 ft$$ - $$$ • Dessert

The Little Crown by Pie Society
910
367 ft$ • European • British • Vegetarian Friendly

Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden
86
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar

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1,164
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Attractions
155 within 6 miles

Franklin Square
37
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American Prohibition Museum
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Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
758
427 ftSpeciality Museums

City Market
2,278
399 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Signature Gallery
12
402 ftArt Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Jere's Antiques
22
452 ftAntique Shops

A. T. Hun Gallery
10
357 ftArt Galleries

Oksana Fine Art Gallery & Studio
5
344 ftArt Galleries

Sue Gouse Inspirations
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Roots Up Gallery
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0.1 miArt Galleries
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,183 reviews
Excellent
968
Very good
156
Average
40
Poor
11
Terrible
8
MarsOrbiter
Winston-Salem, NC147 contributions
Apr 2022
The church has a tour once a day at 1 PM (it actually begins at 1:10 PM to give people time to pay and be seated). Our guide / presenter was a long-time member and gave a very entertaining and humorous overview of the church beginnings and history. It lasts about an hour and gives insight into the indomitable spirit and determination of the slaves who built the church after already working hard and long during the day.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
zydac
Brooklyn, NY76 contributions
Apr 2022
Great history of the church, it's creation, the people involved and what they had to go through. Karen was a great guide who has done a lot of research into the historical records of Savannah and has great skill at communicating the history with clarity as well as emotion. We were completely captivated and moved by her stories and could have listened to her for much longer. Savannah is a beautiful and charming city but I think it is important to learn about the human misery that paid for it. I don't think it detracts from the city to acknowledge its real history, what detracts from Savannah is the general lack of acknowledgement anywhere in the city.
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mike M
Jersey City, NJ1 contribution
Jan 2020
The tour was one of my favorites when I visited Savannah. You're taken back in time as you listen to stories of the Underground Railroad and walk through the halls of the church. Everything is well kept and each detail is pointed out to you. Finally, I loved our guide. He was so hospitable, friendly, and informative. You could tell he was passionate about sharing his stories with the group.
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wurldviews
Savannah, GA5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
There is a tour once a day, on weekdays, at 1pm. You should arrive 10 minutes before because lots of people line up outside the red front doors. It’s $15 for a tour full of history and laughs. I’m a teacher and a history lover, but this was made to be fun and entertaining, while also being full of information. You have to visit the First African Baptist Church while you’re in Savannah!
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karson B
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
The tour wasn’t totally what I expected but I’m grateful for that. When we booked the tour we assumed it was going to talk about an older building and maybe about the MLK speech. That was enough from our perspective.
Among other things, it ended up being an interesting tour that explained how the building helped with the Underground Railroad and what it took for the building to be built. It discussed the leaders of the church and who has visited or been baptized there. It was built with a purpose and there were real sacrifices to make it happen, and that story made it the most interesting tour of my trip. I don’t want to give away more than that regarding what they discuss.
Our tour guide remembered who we were and where we were from just from his introduction. He was great at making the story interesting and captivating. He asked us questions and helped us remember key information. I’m grateful for the experience and being able to see that side of history and of Savannah. You will not regret going on this tour.
Among other things, it ended up being an interesting tour that explained how the building helped with the Underground Railroad and what it took for the building to be built. It discussed the leaders of the church and who has visited or been baptized there. It was built with a purpose and there were real sacrifices to make it happen, and that story made it the most interesting tour of my trip. I don’t want to give away more than that regarding what they discuss.
Our tour guide remembered who we were and where we were from just from his introduction. He was great at making the story interesting and captivating. He asked us questions and helped us remember key information. I’m grateful for the experience and being able to see that side of history and of Savannah. You will not regret going on this tour.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Journeying_Jean
Boston, MA162 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
I was looking forward to this tour and scheduled my other activities around it, but i was disappointed. What should have been a 30-minute tour lasted more than 1 1/2 hours (including check-in) and there was no good escape. They would do well to come up with a concise, standardized presentation enriched with some effective stories and ask guides to stick largely to the script, rather than meandering and pointless asides about why the guide doesn't tell anyone his real name (although he asks some guests for their last names), why if you want to take photos you should include yourselves, about security cameras, a routine audit underway that day, the lack of slave history on the bus tours, and famous guests. Do yourself a favor, save time and money, and just read the history in their website instead. It's too bad because it's a history that should be told.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
2TravellingDINKS
Fort Lauderdale, FL63 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Tillman presented the history of the church as well as those involved in building it. An amazing gem that details the positive outcomes of what happens when people with a purpose and common goal come together to change history. Built in 1859, this church played a huge part in so many peoples lives, including those that visit today. When in Savannah, stop by for a tour and see and hear a part of history that many people in Savannah don’t speak of.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MrsMicgoo
Haubstadt, IN27 contributions
Feb 2020
This was the first trip to Savannah for my husband and me. Upon the recommendation of the concierge where we were staying, we decided to schedule a tour of the First African Baptist Church. Tours must be scheduled ahead of time, and you can do so online. If you want to learn about the history of the oldest black congregation in the US (and the amazing story of how the church began and was built) then this tour is for you. The church has archives and documents dating to the 1700s. The tour guide we had filled in at the last minute due to an unforeseen absence of the usual guide, but you would have never known she didn't do the tour every day. She was a member of the church and very informed of the roles the church leadership played in our nation's history. I was most intrigued by the story of the Underground Railroad and how this church played a part in it. Don't miss this historical gem when you are touring Savannah!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
elyette
Seattle, WA172 contributions
Nov 2021
Joseph was our guide to this church which was the first African American church built in this country. He was most engaging. He asked us questions and made us think. We saw history in a new way. He had his facts down. As white lady from White Washington State, I had no idea about black history in Savannah, GA. The vast majority of Savannah tours focus on eating, drinking and shopping. I can do that at home. Thank goodness for this tour. I got to learn about African American history in Savannah. It made a difference seeing what the African Americans built and how the church played a big role in local history. I am grateful that Joseph gave us facts to fill the void. My six friends who span the U.S. said the same thing.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tdl253
Florence, SC61 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I visited the Church on a Saturday with friends. In addition, there were a number of Brownie Scouts in attendance. DeEric was our guide and did a fantastic job/talk from beginning to end about the history of the Church. He made his talk interesting, clear and concise to the young Scouts. I sat in awe over how committed the slaves were to their faith. Their determination and perseverance toward building their own place of worship is completely worth the a trip to the church. The sanctuary was under reconstruction when I was there, but I am told it is quite beautiful. Not sure when it will be completed. $10.00 charge for the tour.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Torie
Orlando, FL225 contributions
I bought tickets I meant to put for 2020 and I put 2019 even though the date has already passed it took my payment how can I fix this?
traveljanegarnes
Paris, France50 contributions
Please ring them on the phone to ask what you can do. Phone: 912.233.6597
Ketan
Chciago13 contributions
Is the tour one where they talk about how they operated the underground railroad? the names of people involved? I love history and the underground railroad is amazing and i love hearing about stories from it.
Anne F
Dallas, GA1 contribution
Yes, they explain how the church and railroad was built, its destinations, etc. jAlso, how the church played a big part in the railroad. There is also a book you can purchase "The Indigo Journey - A Pictorial Journey of Slavery in Savannah" which is fascinating. If you love history, you will love this tour.
Amckenney
Washington DC, DC16 contributions
Are you able to visit this church without taking the tour? Our time it limited so I don't think we have time for the full tour, but would like to wander around the church for a few minutes.
penk18
Bethel, CT33 contributions
Yes, church services are open to the public. But that said, if you don’t take the tour and learn from the guides, you are missing out on something powerful and extraordinary.
icwilson
Valparaiso, FL26 contributions
Is there a formal tour offered at this church? I couldn't find anything on their website about it. Do we just walk in the front doors and is a guide there?
Jusagagirl
Warner Robins, GA44 contributions
Yes there is .. the cost is $7.00 seniors and students are $6.00 . They do the tours Tuesday and Thursdays 11-1 Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11-2 you can call just to make sure nothing has changed since I was there .. 912-233-6597.. Planning on going back again with my daughter in the next few weeks .
Schavy
Huntersville, NC
What is your tour schedule and ticket prices?
1FABC
Savannah, GA2 contributions
Greetings!
Our tour times are 11am and 2pm Tuesday - Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. The fee is $7.00 per adult and $6.00 per senior, student, or military. The fee for groups of 10 or more people is $6.00 per person and require a reservation. No reservation is required for parties under 10. For more information you may contact us at 912.233.0636.
Thank you for choosing to visit with First African Baptist Church!
Tere
Wake Forest, NC3 contributions
I am planning to take my GS troop this June. Do I need to contact someone for tours? Is there a charge?
1FABC
Savannah, GA2 contributions
Greetings!
I apologize for the delayed response. Group tours of 10 or more people require a reservation. Tour times are 11am and 2pm Tuesday - Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. The fee is $6.00 per person. We also have Girl Scout patches for sale. You may schedule your tour with us or request more information by calling 912.233.0636.
Thank You
Frequently Asked Questions about First African Baptist Church
- First African Baptist Church is open:
- Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking First African Baptist Church tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 First African Baptist Church tours on Tripadvisor
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