First African Baptist Church
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First African Baptist Church

4.5
·188 reviews·Savannah, United States

Explore the First African Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist congregation in North America, built by slaves and rich in history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.

CrowdLow
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First African Baptist Church

First African Baptist Church

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the First African Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist congregation in North America, built by slaves and rich in history.

4.5
(188 reviews)

"A tour that you must do while in Savannah! The best tour I've been on, maybe ever."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Online

Secure your spot by booking tours in advance on their website. :admission_tickets:

👂 Listen to the Guides

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! :speech_balloon:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 203 reviews

Type

Church

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary

Main Sanctuary

Experience the spiritual heart of the church, where centuries of faith and history resonate.

TikTok
Slave-Built Pillars & Pews

Slave-Built Pillars & Pews

Main Sanctuary

Marvel at the craftsmanship of pillars and pews built by enslaved people, a powerful symbol of their labor and faith.

TikTokInstagram
Hebrew Inscriptions

Hebrew Inscriptions

Second Floor Pews

Discover the intriguing cursive Hebrew inscriptions on the pews, sparking discussions about the church's origins.

Instagram+1
Underground Railroad History

Underground Railroad History

Church Grounds

Learn about the church's role as a safe house and its connection to the Underground Railroad.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are the primary way to experience the First African Baptist Church. Booking online ahead of time is highly recommended, especially for popular slots, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Embrace the History

This isn't just a church; it's a living testament to resilience and faith. Come prepared to learn about the profound history of African Americans in the US, built by those who endured slavery. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon Tours
Why
Good for learning, tours available.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Oldest Black Church Built by Slaves Hebrew Inscriptions #hebrewisraelite #BlackTikTok
@samson.israel
29.7K likes • 274.1K views

🎯 Book Tours Online

Secure your spot by booking tours in advance on their website. Reddit :admission_tickets:

👂 Listen to the Guides

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! Reddit :speech_balloon:

First African Baptist Church Savannah, GA The First African Baptist Church in Savannah is located next to Franklin Square in downtown Savannah. The church is thought to be the oldest African-American church in the country. It was founded by former slaves while the United States was still under British rule. Downstairs, outside of the church offices, pictograms can be found in the floor which res...
travels_in_my_lifetime_
60 likes • 318 views
Motha ran down that history, didn’t she?!? Whew 😮‍💨 Karen Wortham, tour director of First African Baptist Church ⛪️ , discusses its rich history. Don’t let that Hebrew on the pews go over your head 👀. Although some scholars contend the writing is actually Arabic, I’m not about to contradict Ms. Karen 😂 And did you catch the Quilt Codes reference? If you’re interested, you can find out more abou...
hoodoohistorian
8.3K likes • 65.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour. :athletic_shoe:

🙏 Respect the Space

Remember this is an active place of worship. Be mindful and respectful. 🙏

Savannah, GA History: First African Baptist Church The writing on the end of each pew on the second floor is written in Cursive Hebrew. Linking the evidence that these were Israelites who built this church. Support IUIC SAVANNAH GEORGIA social media as we strive to bring the people of the Lord back from their low estate. Casting out all the lies and hypocrisy of this world. 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 ...
iuicsavannah
125 likes • 880 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Online

Secure your spot by booking tours in advance on their website. Reddit :admission_tickets:

👂 Listen to the Guides

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions! Reddit :speech_balloon:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour. :athletic_shoe:

🙏 Respect the Space

Remember this is an active place of worship. Be mindful and respectful. 🙏

💰 Support the Mission

Proceeds from tours help fund community programs and job training. :moneybag:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(188 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the First African Baptist Church tours for their historical depth, engaging guides, and the profound sense of legacy. Many highlight the importance of supporting the church's community outreach through ticket purchases. While the historical context is serious, the experience is overwhelmingly described as enlightening and essential for understanding African American history. TikTokReddit

"What an awesome tour. The family and I really enjoy all the history that this places holds. The pastor was quite nice and extremely knowledgeable about the history of those who saw the vision for this church. Please, if you are in Savannah don’t miss this one!"

Thursday Mintz

"We had a great experience and highly recommend coming here to learn the deep history and not just of the church but of our history.

The reverend that gave us the tour was exceptional and you know he is passionate about the history, the congregation and his church. Proceeds from the tickets go directly to helping the community and those in we’d."

C C

"A tour that you must do while in Savannah! Our tour guide, who was the associate minister, did an excellent job explaining the history behind this beautiful church and its congregation. Tours are normally at 11 am and 1 pm. The church website has more detailed information and you can purchase your tickets ahead of time online. The proceeds from the tickets go back to an amazing non profit that is associated with the church that supports job training and resources for those in need."

Julie Shepherd

What People Like

Exceptional and passionate guides
Deep historical insights
Community support through tours

What People Dislike

Limited tour availability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The First African Baptist Church is centrally located in downtown Savannah, Georgia, near Franklin Square. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking garages, or on foot if you're staying in the historic district. Public transportation options may also be available. Instagram

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in the vicinity of the church. It's advisable to check parking rates and availability beforehand. Instagram

Absolutely! If you're staying in the historic district, the church is within easy walking distance of many hotels. It's a pleasant stroll through charming Savannah streets. Instagram

Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled tour time to check in. The church is a prominent landmark, so it's hard to miss once you're in the area. Reddit

While the historic nature of the building presents some challenges, the church staff are generally accommodating. It's best to contact them directly to discuss specific accessibility needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but proceeds from tours directly support the church's community outreach programs. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance. Reddit

Yes, booking your tour tickets in advance online is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. Reddit

Tours are typically offered at specific times, often around 11 am and 1 pm on weekdays, but it's essential to check the church's official website for the most up-to-date tour schedule. Reddit

Tours are the primary way to experience and learn about the rich history of the First African Baptist Church. Visiting without a tour may be limited. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or inquire directly with the church when booking your tickets. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Tours offer a deep dive into the church's history, from its founding by enslaved people to its role in the Civil Rights movement. You'll learn about its architecture, the significance of the Hebrew inscriptions, and its function as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. TikTokInstagramReddit

The tours are often led by passionate and knowledgeable members of the congregation, including ministers and associate ministers, who share personal insights and historical context with enthusiasm. Reddit

Some visitors and local lore suggest the church may have a spiritual presence, aligning with its deep history and the experiences of its congregants. This aspect can be of interest to those exploring haunted Savannah. Reddit

The cursive Hebrew inscriptions on the pews are a point of historical discussion, with some believing it links the congregation to ancient Israelite heritage. Others suggest it might be Arabic. The tour guides often discuss these theories. Instagram+1

Yes, children can visit, and tours can be engaging for them, especially if they have an interest in history, the Underground Railroad, or stories of resilience. The factual tours are recommended for accuracy. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide for permission before taking photos inside the sanctuary to ensure you respect the sacred space. TikTok

The exterior of the church is picturesque, and certain angles within the sanctuary might be permitted for photos. Focus on capturing the architectural details and the sense of history. Instagram

While sharing your experience is encouraged, always be mindful of the church's rules regarding photography, especially during services or private events. Instagram

A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as interior lighting can be subdued. A wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur of the sanctuary. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in historic districts and over religious institutions. It's highly unlikely to be permitted and could violate local ordinances. Instagram

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