We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Savannah
RECENTLY VIEWED
No results found
Log in Join
  • My Trips
  • Bookings
  • Rental Inbox

    • Browse

    First African Baptist Church

    772 Reviews
    #8 of 218 things to do in Savannah
    Sacred & Religious Sites, Sights & Landmarks
    23 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA 31401-2429
    +1 912-233-6597
    Website
    Save
    All photos (74)
    Full view
    Certificate of Excellence
    Book In Advance
    More Info
    $40.59*
    and up
    Savannah Black History Tour
    Why Book on TripAdvisor?
    • Tour highlights & full itinerary
    • Easy online booking
    • Lowest price guaranteed
    More Information ›
    Sponsored by:
    Map
    Satellite
    Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
    Reset zoom
    Sponsored by:
    Overview
    More
    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.

    About First African Baptist Church

    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.
    4.5
    772 reviews
    • Excellent78%
    • Very good16%
    • Average4%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travelers talk about
    “underground railroad” (205 reviews)
    “runaway slaves” (15 reviews)
    “black history” (26 reviews)
    Suggested Duration: < 1 hour
    LOCATION
    23 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA 31401-2429
    Downtown
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 912-233-6597
    Improve This Listing
    Write a Review
    Reviews (772)
    Traveler rating
    Traveler type
    Time of year
    Language

    1 - 10 of 762 reviews

    Reviewed 2 days ago
    First African Baptist Church

    Truly the most excellent tour I've ever been on. Our tour guide Joe was excellent. His presentation reminded me of a college level class. Truly remarkable. His knowledge of the history of the church, the architecture, it's former pastors, the atrocities of slavery, the Underground...More

    Thank anabegue
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Great History Tour

    I really enjoyed visiting this church and learning the history. Great experience. Loved learning the history of the color blue and the scrolls on the pews.

    Thank snellom00
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Inspiring place, history and people

    A very nice tour to learn from the African American history in a crucial landmark in history. Josef is a very funny and fast speaker guide! It caused deep reflections for me to think how cruel mankind can be and absolutely thrilled with the inspiring...More

    Thank Felipe M
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    A Historic Site that Needs a Closer View

    To learn the history of this church is a real testimony to the human spirit. You can feel the history in the space as you learn about the tremendous effort it took to create by slaves.

    Thank Like_A_River_Flows
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Vacation

    Informative, excellent and knowledgeable tour guide. Best part of our mini vacation and our first time in Savannah. Thanks Joe. Isaiah and Mary

    Thank prophet54
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Star of David 30 Yr. Anniversary

    Of all the tours my wife and I took, this one, by far was the most informative, knowledgeable, and powerful of them all. Joe's knowledge of Savannah, World, and the African Baptist Church history was impressive. Moreover, Joe's no holds barred approach was funny, while...More

    Thank David H
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Amazing church and history but wish the tour guide was better

    A beautiful church with an awe-inspiring history that reminds us of America's challenging past. It is well worth a visit. Like other reviewers have noted, the "not a tour guide" tour guide is unbelievably unprofessional. It is a shame that I and other reviewers will...More

    Thank fire100
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Great History Story

    I took a tour of the First African Church on Saturday. Enjoyed the tour so much, I attended Sunday Worship service. The church architectural details are intact. The stories told by the tour guide were captivating and interesting.

    Thank drwash43
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    Highlight of our trip!

    We attended the Sunday morning services with some nervousness as we are devout Christians of another faith (not baptist), and we are white. Our experience attending this service was amazing! The music, the passion, the welcoming and acceptance we felt there was fantastic. We went...More

    1  Thank Franco-fille
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    A must see!!!!

    This was a most incredible tour. I am a white person and sad to say I was the ONLY white person on the tour. This church is incredibly RICH with history!!! We can not change our present and future and make our world a better/safer...More

    2  Thank Linda K
    Nearby
    Sponsored by:
    Nearby Restaurants
    Savannah Candy Kitchen
    273 reviews
    .04 miles away
    Pie Society
    578 reviews
    .08 miles away
    Lulu's Chocolate Bar
    894 reviews
    .06 miles away
    a.Lure
    1,141 reviews
    .07 miles away
    Nearby Attractions
    City Market
    1,795 reviews
    .08 miles away
    Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
    564 reviews
    .06 miles away
    American Prohibition Museum
    36 reviews
    .11 miles away
    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    icwilson
    July 18, 2017|
    AnswerShow all 8 answers
    Response from Jusagagirl | Reviewed this property |
    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... More
    1
    Vote
    sbearddavis123
    April 22, 2017|
    Answer
    Response from 1FABC | Property representative |
    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... More
    2
    Votes
    Tere M
    March 24, 2017|
    AnswerShow all 11 answers
    Response from 1FABC | Property representative |
    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... More
    1
    Vote