Beaufort in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
First African Baptist Church
Photographed By Jane Ruschky, May 4, 2017
1. First African Baptist Church Marker
This church, founded in 1865, grew out of an antebellum praise house for black members of the Baptist Church of Beaufort. During the Civil War, after the Federal occupation of the town, it hosted a school for freedmen. Rev. Arthur Waddell (1821-1895), its founding pastor, had come to S.C. from Savannah, Ga. In 1867 Rev. Waddell and two black ministers from Savannah formally organized this church.
In 1885 the congregation, with more than 900 members, built this "handsome and commodious" Carpenter Gothic church. Rev. Waddell continued to serve this church until he retired in 1894. At his death in 1895 First African Baptist was described as "one of the most aristocratic colored churches." Robert Smalls (1839-1915), Civil War hero, state legislator, and U.S. Congressman, was its most prominent member.
Erected 2013 by The Beaufort County Historical Society. (Marker Number 7-40.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 32° 26.064′ N, 80° 40.132′ W. Marker is in Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is at the intersection of New Street and King Street on New Street. Touch for map. Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Berean Church / J. I. Washington Branch Library (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Peter Catholic Church (about 600 feet away); Carnegie Library (about 700 feet away); Dr. Henry Woodward, Surgeon 1646-1686 (about 800 feet away); Beaufort Arsenal (about 800 feet away); The Beaufort Firehouse & City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beth Israel Synagogue (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beaufort College (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaufort.
Photographed By Jane Ruschky, May 4, 2017
2. First African Baptist Church Marker
Photographed By Jane Ruschky, May 4, 2017
3. First African Baptist Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2017, by Jane Ruschky of Columbia, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 500 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 5, 2017, by Jane Ruschky of Columbia, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
