First African Baptist Church St. Simons: One of the Island’s Oldest and Most Significant Places of Worship
Article & Photos by: allie albanese
The First African Baptist Church St. Simons is the oldest Black church on the Island and an important symbol of its religious history.
If you’ve ever been to St. Simons Island you know that there is no shortage of churches to be found, some of which were established as far back as the early 1800s. Religion played a important role in the founding and development of this island, and many people say that the spiritual strength of its various religious communities serves as its foundation.
One of the oldest and most significant churches on the island is First African Baptist Church, which was founded and built by slaves from the many St. Simons Island plantations. The congregation organized in 1859, and worshipped together at a small tabby church near their quarters at West Point Plantation until the church pictured here was built in 1869. Members traveled from all over the island to attend worship here every Sunday, which was not an easy feat considering the island is 12-miles long and most had to travel by foot.
Since that time, First African Baptist Church (‘Where All God’s Children Are Welcome’) has continued to hold worship services every Sunday, and for 163 years has been fulfilling its mission to serve the needs of all its members. Although not often listed as a tourist destination for people visiting the Golden Isles, this church is an important part of the island’s culture and its history.
First African Baptist Church St. Simons: Visitor Information
LOCATION: 5800 Frederica Road (not open for tours)
WORSHIP HOURS: Sunday School 9:30 AM | Sunday Worship 11:00 AM
OTHER HOURS: Tuesday Bible Study 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM | Thursday Prayer 10:00 AM
A writer and photographer, Allie Albanese is the founder and curator of Parched Around the World. Here she aims to tell stories about the intersection of food, drinks, cultures, and traditions in places near and far.
Allie holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from American University and for more than a decade has worked as a freelance travel, food, and drinks journalist for various publications across the United States and abroad.
When not out exploring the world in search of the next story to tell, she calls her beloved St. Simons Island, Georgia home.
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Hi Friends, I’m Allie!
I’m a writer and photographer with a serious addiction to peanuts! Some of my greatest joys in life are my family, big bear hugs, and beautiful skies. Thank you so much for spending time here at Parched Around the World where I look forward to exploring the world together one bite, sip, and adventure at a time!
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