Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
First African Baptist Church
Photographed By David Seibert, May 1, 2011
1. First African Baptist Church Marker
Inscription.
First African Baptist Church. . The initial congregation of this church was formed by slaves who had attended Ephesus Baptist Church (later First Baptist), since its organization on February 14, 1829. When a new church was built in 1840 the slaves worshipped in the older building. White ministers served the African Baptist Church until 1862 when Rev. Harry Watson became the first black minister. The church was granted a site at Eleventh Street and Sixth Avenue by the Georgia General Assembly but moved to its current location at a cost of $75,000 in 1915. It was renamed First African Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. H. Smith.
The initial congregation of this church was formed by slaves who had attended Ephesus Baptist Church (later First Baptist), since its organization on February 14, 1829. When a new church was built in 1840 the slaves worshipped in the older building. White ministers served the African Baptist Church until 1862 when Rev. Harry Watson became the first black minister. The church was granted a site at Eleventh Street and Sixth Avenue by the Georgia General Assembly but moved to its current location at a cost of $75,000 in 1915. It was renamed First African Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. H. Smith.
Erected 1994 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and First African Baptist Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1978.
Location. 32° 27.78′ N, 84° 59.18′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. Marker is at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street, on the left when traveling north on Fifth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 901 Fifth Avenue, Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 780 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
