First African Baptist Church
The First African Baptist Church of Savannah, or FABC, is known as the very first black congregation in North America, first established in 1773 (that's before the United States was formed!). It still serves as an active house of worship today, as well as a National Historic Landmark.
The church itself was actually first constructed in 1777, under the direction of its first official leader, Reverend George Leile. Rev. Leile later became the first American missionary, fleeing to Jamaica with the British to avoid re-enslavement. The third leader of the congregation, Reverend Marshall, put together the first black Sunday School in North America.
During your visit to FABC, you will see many original elements in the church, such as original pews on the balcony, original light fixtures and baptismal pool, the 1834 pipe organ, stained glass windows installed under the direction of the 5th pastor here, and classical west African Arabic script from the 1800s outside. There are several historically interesting elements throughout, such as the holes in the floor of the church that are made in the shape of an African prayer symbol meaning the 'Flash of the Spirits', BoKongo Cosmogram.
You can reserve a group tour of the church and walk out in awe like all other visitors, some more famous ones including John Mellencamp, Rev. Dr. Jesse Jackson, and Vice President Al Gore. You may also wish to attend regular church services, including Sunday morning Services, Wednesday Prayer, and Thursday Bible Study.
