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
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
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ninth Street Branch YMCA (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Friendship Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); “Ma" Rainey Home (about 600 feet away); Temple Israel (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Spencer House (approx. 0.2 miles away); “Columbus Stockade Blues” (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. James AME Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Photographed By David Seibert, May 1, 2011
2. First African Baptist Church Marker
Photographed By David Seibert, May 1, 2011
3. First African Baptist Church
Built in 1915
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 719 times since then and 17 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.
