The Story
The oldest African American congregation in North America, organized in 1773. The current building (1859) was built entirely by enslaved people who worked on it at night after their regular labor. The floor contains diamond-shaped breathing holes for enslaved people hiding in a crawl space as part of the Underground Railroad. A National Historic Landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is First African Baptist Church?
First African Baptist Church is in Savannah, GA (23 Montgomery Street). Explore it on the When It Was interactive map of historic Savannah.
How old is First African Baptist Church?
First African Baptist Church dates to 1859, making it more than 167 years old.
Can you visit First African Baptist Church?
Yes — the site still stands in Savannah, GA. Please respect private property where applicable.