SINCE
1788
First Bryan Baptist Church, established on January 20, 1788, is the oldest African American Baptist church in Savannah and one of the oldest in the United States. Its beginnings trace back to the ministry of Rev. George Liele, the first Black Baptist missionary, whose preaching led to the conversion of Andrew Bryan and other enslaved believers. Under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Bryan, the congregation grew despite persecution and hardship, becoming a beacon of faith and hope.
In 1793, the church purchased the property where it still stands today, making it one of the oldest parcels of land continuously owned by African Americans in the United States. Rev. Andrew Bryan faithfully served as the church's first pastor until his death in 1812, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. Throughout the nineteenth century and by the grace of God, First Bryan continued to grow, establishing one of the first Sunday Schools for African Americans in Savannah and expanding its ministry.
In 1873, the congregation began constructing the present sanctuary, which was completed in 1888 during the church's centennial celebration. Built entirely by skilled black craftsmen, the sanctuary remains a remarkable example of faith, perseverance, and architectural excellence.
Today, First Bryan Baptist Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve the Savannah community through prayer, worship, discipleship, education, and outreach. For more than 238 years, First Bryan has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ while honoring its rich legacy of faith, freedom, and service. Glory to God!
SINCE
1788
First Bryan Baptist Church, established on January 20, 1788, is the oldest African American Baptist church in Savannah and one of the oldest in the United States. Its beginnings trace back to the ministry of Rev. George Liele, the first Black Baptist missionary, whose preaching led to the conversion of Andrew Bryan and other enslaved believers. Under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Bryan, the congregation grew despite persecution and hardship, becoming a beacon of faith and hope.
In 1793, the church purchased the property where it still stands today, making it one of the oldest parcels of land continuously owned by African Americans in the United States. Rev. Andrew Bryan faithfully served as the church's first pastor until his death in 1812, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. Throughout the nineteenth century and by the grace of God, First Bryan continued to grow, establishing one of the first Sunday Schools for African Americans in Savannah and expanding its ministry.
In 1873, the congregation began constructing the present sanctuary, which was completed in 1888 during the church's centennial celebration. Built entirely by skilled black craftsmen, the sanctuary remains a remarkable example of faith, perseverance, and architectural excellence.
Today, First Bryan Baptist Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve the Savannah community through prayer, worship, discipleship, education, and outreach. For more than 238 years, First Bryan has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ while honoring its rich legacy of faith, freedom, and service. Glory to God!
SINCE
1788
First Bryan Baptist Church, established on January 20, 1788, is the oldest African American Baptist church in Savannah and one of the oldest in the United States. Its beginnings trace back to the ministry of Rev. George Liele, the first Black Baptist missionary, whose preaching led to the conversion of Andrew Bryan and other enslaved believers. Under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Bryan, the congregation grew despite persecution and hardship, becoming a beacon of faith and hope.
In 1793, the church purchased the property where it still stands today, making it one of the oldest parcels of land continuously owned by African Americans in the United States. Rev. Andrew Bryan faithfully served as the church's first pastor until his death in 1812, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. Throughout the nineteenth century and by the grace of God, First Bryan continued to grow, establishing one of the first Sunday Schools for African Americans in Savannah and expanding its ministry.
In 1873, the congregation began constructing the present sanctuary, which was completed in 1888 during the church's centennial celebration. Built entirely by skilled black craftsmen, the sanctuary remains a remarkable example of faith, perseverance, and architectural excellence.
Today, First Bryan Baptist Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve the Savannah community through prayer, worship, discipleship, education, and outreach. For more than 238 years, First Bryan has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ while honoring its rich legacy of faith, freedom, and service. Glory to God!

FOUNDED BY
ANDREW
BRYAN

FOUNDED ON
JESUS
CHRIST

FOUNDED ON
JESUS CHRIST
FOUNDED BY
ANDREW
BRYAN

