The early residents of East Savannah attended First African Baptist Church located at Savannah’s Franklin Square, not an easy feat considering the distance to be traveled and street car schedules. With the blessings of the Franklin Square church, the First African Baptist Church of East Savannah was organized in 1897, forty-two members strong. The church was soon tested by adversity when a hurricane destroyed its first sanctuary in 1898 and yet again when a 1940 storm devastated the church. After each setback, members renewed their faith in the rebuilding process.
The first task the fledgling church set for itself in 1897 was to establish a Sunday School. Since that time, the youth ministry has been a priority of the church’s mission. For Easter services, the children delivered speeches from memory to the congregation, with care to enunciate clearly. In the summer, Vacation Bible School was packed with neighborhood youngsters. Today the church provides scholarship aid for their young adults.
The church, well into its second century of service to East Savannah, continues to be the center of community life. Whether gatherings are for scout meetings, Sunday services, or neighborhood association events, church doors are always open.
Rev. Edward C. Johnson
“75th Anniversary Progress of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah,” 1972
Courtesy of Mary Roberson
The first pastor of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah was Rev. Edward C. Johnson, who was ordained in 1898. Rev. Johnson served the church until his death in 1907.
Old First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
Photograph by Geoff L. Johnson.
Courtesy of City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.
After a powerful storm destroyed the church sanctuary in 1940, members of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah held services for a year at neighboring Saint Mary A.M.E. Church before a temporary building was constructed. A permanent church home, however, required many years of fundraising before the church pictured above was completed in 1950. Today this church serves as a fellowship hall.
New First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
Photograph by Geoff L. Johnson.
Courtesy of the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.
The 250 members of First African Baptist church of East Savannah have worshipped in this spacious new building on Treat Avenue since 2002.
