Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The First Baptist Church

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 10, 2025

1. The First Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. In March 1817, eight men and two women meeting in an Augusta home formed "The Baptist Praying Society of Augusta" - the forerunner of the First Baptist Church. Two months later the society was constituted a church under the leadership of the first minister, Wm. T. Brantley, this property was purchased in 1870. A church on this site was dedicated May 26, 1821. In 1845, after serious friction arose in the national Triennial Convention, 327 delegates from eight southern states and the District of Columbia met here to form the Southern Baptist Convention. This building was erected in 1902.

Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 121-29.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1817.

Location. 33° 28.402′ N, 81° 57.999′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is at the intersection of Greene Street and 8th Street, in the median on Greene Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

the Western Hemisphere,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Baptist Church Convention (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Samuel Hammond (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Early Augusta Churches (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Church Of The Most Holy Trinity (about 600 feet away); The Veterans of 1898-1902 (about 600 feet away); 4th Infantry (Ivy) Division (about 600 feet away); William Bartram Visited Augusta, 1773. (about 700 feet away); The Rotary Club of Augusta (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Also see . . . First Baptist Church. Excerpt:

The Southern Baptist Convention was formed at a meeting May 1845 in this church, marking the separation between Northern and Southern Baptists before the American Civil War over issues of slavery and governance.

(Submitted on May 26, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Additional commentary.
1. National Register of Historic Places
The First Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia was added to the NRHP March 23, 1972.

— Submitted May 26, 2025,
Photographed by Mike Stroud, July 2008

2. The First Baptist Church Marker
by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.

The First Baptist Church Marker, along eastbound Greene St. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008

3. The First Baptist Church Marker, along eastbound Greene St.

The First Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, July 26, 2008

4. The First Baptist Church

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, April 10, 2025

5. The First Baptist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,334 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 26, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 11, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on May 26, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.