First African Baptist Church – Brunswick, GA

Our History

First African Baptist Church of Brunswick, Georgia, was founded by formerly enslaved African Americans during the heart of the Civil War. Before emancipation, both whites and African Americans worshiped together at First Baptist Church, but the turmoil of the war led them to form separate congregations.

Though President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, it was not fully enforced in the South until after the Confederacy surrendered. During this uncertain time, Brunswick’s African Baptist believers gathered under the leadership of “watchmen,” meeting first in a grove on Lee Street.

Rev. Augusta Frazier, serving as watchman, held the first indoor services in an old grist mill on Monck Street near Grant. In January 1863, Rev. Frank Harrison, a missionary from Savannah, officially organized the congregation as First African Baptist Church, with a treasurer, secretary, and five deacons. For two years he traveled from Savannah every three months to preach, baptize, and serve communion.

The congregation worshiped in several locations until 1868, when they began meeting in the newly completed Risley School. After a disagreement over splitting offerings, businessman Urbanas Dart donated a 150 ft by 90 ft lot on Amherst Street, where the church now stands. Women of the church raised funds and cooked meals for workers as the building was constructed.

Under the leadership of Rev. John “Father” Williams (beginning in 1876), the building was completed, the grounds expanded, and a baptismal pool added. First African later became the mother church to other African Baptist congregations, including Shiloh and Zion.

During the Civil Rights era of the 1960s and 1970s, First African Baptist Church served as an important meeting place for organizers and community leaders, standing at the intersection of faith and justice. Today, we honor that legacy by continuing to preach Christ, serve our community, and stand as a beacon of hope in Brunswick and beyond.

Sermons

Hear the Word of God preached with clarity, conviction, and hope for everyday life.

Leadership