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

Baptism

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

1. Baptism Marker

Inscription.
Sringfield Baptist Church and many Baptist churches in the surrounding community conducted baptism services in the nearby Savannah River. Richard Hunt's bronze sculpture and fountain installation, And They Went Down Both Into the Water, is inspired by a scripture from Acts 8:38 etched above the pulpit of Springfield's 1897 sanctuary. Hunt sought to capture a legacy of strength and a spirit of transformation and unity.

"The fountain reflects and symbolizes the conversion of the first African to Christianity and the part Springfield Baptist Church played in the early conversion of African Americans to Christianity." Richard Hunt, 2006

(caption) Baptisms in the Savanah River in downtown Augusta. These pictures were taken by Augusta Photographer Richard Williams
Credit: Courtesy of Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library / University of Georgia Libraries Date: Early 20th Century

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 33° 28.743′ N, 81° 58.364′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia,

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in Richmond County. It is in Downtown Augusta. It can be reached from the intersection of Reynolds Street and 12th Street, on the right when traveling east. Located in Springfield Village Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1211 Jones Street, 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: Civil War and Emancipation (a few steps from this marker); Education (a few steps from this marker); A Historical Timeline of Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oldest Black Church in America (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A Historical Timeline of Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A Historical Timeline of Augusta (within shouting distance of this

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

2. Baptism Marker

Marker with sculpture/fountain in the background.

marker); a different marker also named A Historical Timeline of Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A Historical Timeline of Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

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

3. Baptism Marker

Marker is in back left of photo

Springfield Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

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

4. Springfield Baptist Church

Savannah River image. Click for full size.

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

5. Savannah River

Site of the baptisms discussed on the marker.

Richard Hunt's Sculpture/Fountain image. Click for full size.

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

6. Richard Hunt's Sculpture/Fountain

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 24, 2025, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.