First African Baptist Church
Explore the First African Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist congregation in North America, built by slaves and rich in history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
First African Baptist Church
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
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.
"A tour that you must do while in Savannah! The best tour I've been on, maybe ever."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sanctuary
Main Sanctuary
Experience the spiritual heart of the church, where centuries of faith and history resonate.
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.
Hebrew Inscriptions
Second Floor Pews
Discover the intriguing cursive Hebrew inscriptions on the pews, sparking discussions about the church's origins.
+1
Underground Railroad History
Church Grounds
Learn about the church's role as a safe house and its connection to the Underground Railroad.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
🚶♀️ 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. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:
🚶♀️ 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. :pray:
💰 Support the Mission
Proceeds from tours help fund community programs and job training. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, booking your tour tickets in advance online is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
While sharing your experience is encouraged, always be mindful of the church's rules regarding photography, especially during services or private events.
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.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic districts and over religious institutions. It's highly unlikely to be permitted and could violate local ordinances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare children beforehand about the historical context of slavery to ensure they can process the information appropriately. The church's role as a former safe house is a compelling aspect that can resonate with younger audiences interested in stories of bravery and escape.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1Beyond the architectural and symbolic significance, the church's role as a hub for community organizing and its connection to the Underground Railroad provide rich historical context. The knowledgeable guides are a treasure trove of information, often sharing details and perspectives that go beyond standard historical accounts.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Many visitors describe their experience as a spiritual awakening, feeling the weight of history and the strength of the community that has worshipped there for generations. The stories of perseverance and the enduring legacy of faith can be incredibly inspiring.
Engaging with the guides and learning about the congregation's journey can provide a profound sense of spiritual connection to the past and present. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Legacy of the First African Baptist Church
One of the most fascinating aspects of the FABC is the presence of cursive Hebrew inscriptions found on the pews in the second-floor sanctuary. While scholars debate their exact origin and meaning, some interpret them as evidence of the congregation's connection to ancient Israelite heritage, a perspective often highlighted by certain historical interpretations.
+1 The church also played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, acting as a safe house for those seeking freedom. This layered history makes a visit to FABC a profound educational and spiritual experience. Today, the First African Baptist Church continues its mission by supporting community initiatives through proceeds from its tours. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the knowledgeable guides who share the church's compelling narrative with passion and insight. A tour here is more than just sightseeing; it's an opportunity to connect with a pivotal piece of American history and honor the legacy of those who built it.
Navigating the Tour Experience
Visitors consistently emphasize the importance of booking tours in advance, as they are the primary access point to the church's interior and its historical narratives. The tours typically cover the church's founding, its architectural significance, the stories behind the slave-built elements, and its role in the Underground Railroad.
The guides often share personal anecdotes and historical context that bring the past to life, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by the early congregation. It's worth noting that the proceeds from tour tickets directly benefit the church's non-profit arm, which provides job training and resources to those in need. This adds another layer of significance to the visit, allowing guests to contribute to the ongoing legacy of community support.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit