First African Baptist Church

A tour that you must do while in Savannah! Our tour guide, who was the associate minister, did an excellent job explaining the history behind this beautiful church and its congregation. Tours are normally at 11 am and 1 pm. The church website has more detailed information and you can purchase your tickets ahead of time online. The proceeds from the tickets go back to an amazing non profit that is associated with the church that supports job training and resources for those in need.

Great tour down history lane. Lots of information I never knew mixed with what I did know. Our tour guide was excellent… we received history with humor. Definitely worth the visit, even more so knowing the proceeds from the tour go to the foundation that helps provide job training and resources for those in need.

This was one of the best tours and learning experiences that I was blessed to have experience here in Savannah. Love the tour guide! Love the history shared and knowing what you pay is going toward a worthy cost in the local community to help uplift those in need. Remember - We are not makers of history. We are made by history... This was great and I would encourage ANYONE who likes African history and would like to know the origin of The First African Baptist Church and MORE, you must tour this place. Peace ✌🏾

This is a place you must visit. The culture and history are engaging and humbling. Derrick, our tour guide, was impressive with his knowledge. $14 per adult and well worth it. The history of the unground railroad will leave you with a spirit of gratitude. Rich history. All pictures taken by myself.

Best tour during my visit to Savannah. Not only is it family friendly, fun, and very educational but it’s a non profit and what you pay goes directly back to helping families and people in need, which after walking around Savannah for a day I can see there is a GREAT financial need in the city. To top it off not only is it a great cause, but it’s the only known stop in the city for the Underground Railroad that I found while there. There’s tours twice a day, 1pm being one of them so make sure to have this be on your list of stops!

Our group of 40 had the pleasure of touring the historic First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Karen Wortham, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the church's rich history. She brought to life the stories of the church's involvement in the Underground Railroad and the broader context of slavery in Savannah, making the tour both educational and engaging. The church itself is a beautiful testament to resilience and faith, with architectural features like the holes in the floorboards, which were used for ventilation by those hidden beneath during the era of the Underground Railroad. Karen's storytelling made these historical elements even more impactful. I highly recommend visiting this church to anyone interested in American history and the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom.

Derek was the perfect guide to take us on this historic journey establishing the first African-American church. When the "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour recommended this tour, I was immediately interested in finding out details. if you are visiting Savannah, I would highly recommend this tour.

Amazing tour and highly worth it. tours at 11am and 1pm. Must arrive within 10mins of start. Tickets at the door. $15 for adult, $12 for senior or student. Amazing tour guide (Derrick Curry) who's also part of the church executive team. Wonderful speaker, interactive, funny. Highly recommend this tour, such important cultural and historical significance covered. Must do in Savannah over all other tours.

We were here during the Juneteenth weekend and obviously was not able to visit on Juneteenth. However, we wanted to make sure to do what it took to stop by before we left Savannah. Fortunately, we were fortunate after breakfast to make it to the 11am tour on Saturday. Because there are only 2 scheduled tour times from Friday-Saturday, it took some luck + creativity to make it here. Our tour guide was phenomenal. He was very knowledgeable and had a knack for some humor. It's great to see college students like himself come back to the church and volunteer their time and efforts. Very hard to get the dedication from people today. We learned so much about history during this short tour. The history of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and so much more. It was quite the humbling experience and a necessary stop on our vacation.

We visited on Thursday June 6 and it was a phenomenal tour. The associate pastor gave us so much relevant information that it was hard to retain everything. What an enjoyable tour, what an enjoyable visit to Savannah! We will be back God bless you

The beauty of history is how it encompasses the passing down of information from the perspective of various cultures. Especially, when it bares witness to the beauty of the times of the determination, struggle, and resilience of one group as well as the menacing, unrelenting and abhorrent treatment by another group upon indentured servitude barers. Yet, the knowledge of how "The Church" brought an uncannily togetherness, forgiveness and freedom through its diverse people was brought to light with generations of stories. Today, Associate Pastor Derek Curry provided a long-standing historical perspective of the First African Baptist Church (FABC) through his ability to informally yet informatively present the church's journey from 1773 to present day. I enjoyed how he playfully yet respectfully interacted and engaged with the audience. Imparting knowledge on the church's history through slavery, the diversity of its parishioners including descendants of Africa, Spain, Portugal, Britain, etc. to a journey through time, during the darkest blemish in America's history, slavery. However, his recanting of how the FABC transcended through the times were at times mesmerizing and other times mouth-opening. Yet, his delivery made you feel a sense of the times and the many pastors that made FABC, one of the leading forces during the Underground Railroad and beyond. I think a trip to Savannah without this being a part of your knowledge tour, would be a let down as this church has real history to be shared and told in a manner of honor and pride. Good work Pastor Curry. I am hopeful the pews will fill again soon with members as well as from people from around the globe. The stories of African Americans need to be shared and lauded as those stories are a huge part of the inception of this country, good, bad and all the in between....

We visited the church while there for a Beta Convention!! I absolutely love learning about history . It was interesting to learn about the underground rail atlas and the quilts. The tour guide Pastor Curry showed a lot of hospitality for our MS group. We enjoyed the tour. It is a must see if you are in Savannah.

Such an amazing place. The history is inspiring and heartbreaking. Take the tour. Our guide was a great speaker.

Another stop on our self-guided history tour was the First African Baptist Church of Savannah. This church's history runs DEEP in this country which dates back to the Underground Railroad era and Harriet Tubman. This was one of the many stops en route to the freedom found in the north for many slaves. There are still portions of the church wood floor that have pencil-width holes in it that served for breathing holes for slaves as they waited underground to continue their treacherous trip to freedom. Needless to say, another highly emotional place for me. Tours are not often but do happen so call ahead. This building tells so many stories from generations ago as it stands silent and strong in the heart of Savannah Georgia. A must-see!

I'm really disappointed that I was not able to tour the church. On their website, it says that the tour will be at 3pm today. When I got to the door of the church, a piece of paper said the tour was at 1pm. I planned my whole day around this 3pm tour and bought a ticket which I hope to be reimbursed for. There were also about 10 other people trying to figure out how to enter the church but all the doors were locked. They need to ensure the information for their tour is correct, especially for people visiting this city that may only have once chance to stop by.

There are generally two tours a day of the First African Baptist Church, being at 11:00 and at 2:00 and I strongly urge everyone to take the tour. If you don't your simply going to miss it all. On my tour I learned a lot of historical facts I was never taught and never had any knowledge about. As a structure it's one of the sturdiest I've ever come across and easy to see how it has withstood the storms and time. It was construct mostly by slaves but also by some freemen. The 1832 organ is still there, the ceiling in the design of a "Nine Patch Quilt" and various inscriptions on the ends of the pews written in "Cursive Hebrew" along with holes in the floor symbolizing a "Flash of the Spirits" in what is known as "Congolese Cosmogram." There is also a subfloor which is historically of interest as a part of the "Underground Railway." With all I leaned and all I discovered that I didn't know, I have to go Five Stars. It really is one of the very best of church tours.

My sisters and I four black professional females were visiting from Florida we attempted to visit the First African Baptist Church on Montgomery Street we were told by two staff members that the Church was closed due to pandemic. While sitting in the park across the street we saw a tour group of about 30 to 40 white people being greeted and welcomed into the Church. Once the two staff members saw us seeing what they were doing they called to us from across the street and said we can come in and sit in the back of the Church until the tour group finish. This is our second attempt to tour this Church and we will not come back. This was the ultimate insult to us as black people.

Fantastic experience!! Highly recommend taking the tour. Best tour in Savannah. The assistant pastor was informative and engaging in fun interactive, educational way. I learned so much and so grateful that we were able to fit it in on our last day. Make sure to look up when the tours are scheduled. They do not have them every day. I bought my ticket at the door and was credit card only. You can buy online.

I am new to this area, and once I heard of the First African Baptist Church nearby, what better day to explore than Juneteenth?! The tour was led by an intelligent and comical man named Joe. He appeared to be very passionate about what he does for the church and teaching the history. The tour was very touching to know I was sitting in the same building that was used as a passage in the Underground Railroad. I can't wait to visit again. Highly recommend you go

Historic First Black Church in America. Savannah is awesome, and pastor Tillman a Gift from God. Fortunate to have been there on Easter Sunday!

This was an extremely informative and well done tour. The guide was clearly knowledgeable about the history of the church and related it in an interesting way. I highly recommend it.

I attended the tour of the church that they provide for $7. It included a lot of history about the church and Savannah, Georgia. They were a part of the Underground Railroad and currently have a museum in the basement with a lot of historical documents. Joe, who provided the tour, was educational and entertaining and did his best to include a group of school-age kids in the discussion. The price of the ticket goes to providing food for families in need. Well worth the price of admission.

I was pretty disappointed in this tour. The speaker tried to be engaging and personable but came off as self-righteous and demeaning. We were about 15-20 minutes early. People started to gather outside. Everyone was confused. Online information was inconsistent. We walked around the entire building and every door was locked. A simple note would have been nice. Doors didn't open until just before the tour was supposed to start. I also was bothered that they made us wear masks even though nowhere else in Savannah was doing that, and then the speaker himself didn't have one. He also made us stand for about 15-20 minutes during part of the tour even though there were chairs around. They could improve the tour with pictures of the underground which they didn't say why we couldn't view but I assume for safety. Overall the speaker liked to talk a lot. I would have liked more facts.

Living American history! Twice a day (11 and 2) tours are given of the first African baptist church in North America. Cost is about 7 bucks per person. No reservations needed. Learn about how the church was formed by slaves and free people before this building was built by them in 1859. Learn too about the role this church played in the Underground Railroad and then in post Emancipation time. Take 2 hours out of the lovely Savanah parks and plantations for this "reach out and touch it" education of American history!! The church was and obviously still is large in the Savanna community.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the history and impact of the original Black church from engaging and knowledgeable guides. Bonus: the cost of admission supports the church's nonprofit work building a stronger and more resilient community!

Absolutely wonderful tour! We learned so much and cherished the incredibly moving history shared with us. We were also thankful to hear about some of the work the church continues to do in the community, carrying on an important and beautiful legacy.

I was touring Savannah on vaca and came across this church on a sun morning while service was on. (Luckily) I walked in with my jeans and sweatshirt and the lady welcomed me in with open arms. Mind you-- I do believe I was the only white girl in the room :) Loved every second of the service!!!

I found the tour very educational. Both the building and the actions of the congregations have had an important role in history. The church celebrated 240 years in December. It served as part of the Underground Railroad. Inspirational. I returned the following day for a service.. Visitors from all over the world were in the service and the congregation could not have been more welcoming to us and to each other.

Wow ! This church has a rich & incredible history & our tour guide (young male) was outstanding. He provided an informative & honest account of the church's lengthy history & it's deep connection to Slavery. I was moved to tears & incredible grateful for the opportunity to learn about this beautiful church. Thank you again for the history lesson & insight into the incredible sacrifices my ancestors made for us today. I am eternally grateful for this experience that I will pass on for generations to come, inshallallah.

This was definitely a great historic stop. The tour was well worth it. Our tour guide is a high school history teacher which definitely helped as well. Not only learned history of the church but also significant history of the city of Savannah itself. Tour took about 1 hour and ends in the artifact room which you can spend additional time in on your own. Church had significance with the Underground Railroad as well. If you are a history buff this stop is well worth it. I am also certain it would be a blessed place to worship for those looking to worship while visiting Savannah. It is very clear that everyone involved loves what they do.

This tour was just...WOW! The guide did an amazing job, so glad we did this tour, it made the trip! Loads of history!

Beautiful church, praise and worship team, GREAT music, and church service. Extremely welcoming welcome team.

This was my second time visiting First African Baptist Church and I loved it just as much. I remember visiting here on my 8th grade field trip and it was one of my favorite stops so had to come back over 10 years later. The tour guides are fun and interactive, but better than that, the history of the church is amazing. The strength of the building created by slaves that has since withstood major hurricanes is amazing to fathom and it's involvement in the Underground Railroad make it one of the most fascinating places in Savannah to me. Will always stop here to bring new people when in Savannah.

DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR!! Our tour guide was the associate pastor and was incredibly passionate and personable. He engaged with each person on the tour and was very knowledgeable about the history of the church and the town itself.

I am giving the tour for the FABC- 3 stars. The tour was great, the Tour Guide was great and largely informed. Although i must deduct a star due too the Tour Guide began to interject politics and his feeling regarding the President of the United States, he slightly disparaged the President. I am of the mindset that many come to your tour to hear, learn and become more informed about the history of blacks in the south. I could tell from the feeling in the group, it was a bit uncomfortable. No one comes there to be influenced regarding politics. Please in the future refrain from current politics it really detracts and leaves a bad taste. The Tour Guide was Derek. With this exception the tour was good

This holds a special place in American history, but more importantly the church still sticks to its spiritual roots. I had an amazing Sunday worship experience and the congregation were friendly. Some notes: people tend to dress for service, men were called up for group prayer, and men don't wear hats.

Time for a bit of history. This is the first African American baptist church in North America. Very enriched tour guide, young and knowledgable. A wealth of history covering slavery education civil rights etc...

Seeing the church was a really great experience! My oldest is 10 and I'm trying to teach him that not everyone has the same experiences in this life. He loves history and thought it was really cool to learn about the Underground Railroad aspect since he's read several books about it. With that being said, I really wish the tour guide would've focused more on giving history facts than calling out people in the crowd and making passive aggressive statements towards us. I almost felt like we were being harassed at times. It just didn't really seem necessary in that setting as we are all there to learn. The tour lasted about an hour and a half and half of that was him making snide jokes. My youngest was with us and of course his attention span doesn't last very long. If that time had been filled with useful information then it would have been worth it but it wasn't. I will say the guy at the entrance who took our money was really kind and funny as he chatted with people as they came in.

Didnt get to do the tour but met one of the tour guides..who hooked us up with all the info we needed. Great story's connected to this historic church. Sept,/4th/2011

We were in Savannah for a girl's trip and one of our stops included the tour of the First African Baptist Church. Our tour guide Joey was great! He was very knowledgeable and informative, and interacted well with the crowd. The details he provided about the history of the church were incredible. I would definitely recommend this tour if you're traveling to Savannah. The $7 fee is so worth it and that fee goes to a great cause.

Our favorite tour out of our four days in Savannah. Our guide, Joey, was super informative and kept things interesting. As a long time member of the church he showed great enthusiasm for the the history of the church. This tour far exceeded our expectations and I would definitely recommend to all. Thanks Joey for the great time.

This was an amazing experience. Our tour guide, Derrek, was so funny and did an amazing job. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I highly recommend this tour.

Phenomenal tour. The tour director Joe was very informative! Highly recommended. The First Baptist Church is a wealth of history.

Jamal did a great tour. He was funny, teasing us and providing all kinds of details. I wish the woman with the screaming baby had gone outside so we could hear everything. For $7, it was a neat stop. Glad we made the trek over there!

Went on the tour today and Ms Karen was fabulous. However while the history is a must visit and the church gives you an feeling of AAAWWWEEE it is sad the state that it is in. With the amount of money they make on the tours and the money available by grants they really could do more to preserve this priceless time piece. Very much worth the visit.

This tour was so enjoyable and informative!! Our tour guide was one of the nicest men we've met on our trip thus far. Learned so much about the history and significance of the First African Baptist Church, 10/10 would recommend to anyone!

My colleagues and I were in town for a conference and decided to take a tour of the First African Baptist Church. We first parked in the wrong lot and some woman rudely told us that we could not park there, but we found alternative parking and did not let that discourage us. Upon entering the church, we were warmly greeted and asked to wait in the sanctuary. The church was beautiful inside with the stained glass windows and balcony. I loved learning about the history of the church and black life in Savannah - I was happy that it did not try to whitewash the atrocity of slavery. We could only see one side of the balcony because of damage sustained by Hurricane Matthew. After touring the balcony we headed downstairs and learned about the church's connection to the Underground Railroad. My favorite part of the tour was seeing the archives and museum. I do wish that the materials were better preserved, but I understand they are doing what they can. The tour was about an hour and twenty minutes which was a bit long but worth it. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Awesome tour with the tour 'monitor'! The history was fantastic. The building is amazing. Don't miss this tour - 2pm.

When in town, take the time to stop by and take the tour. It's super affordable. The history behind those walls is mind blowing. It's an all exclusive history lesson on slavery and the Underground Railroad movement. The tour guide, Joey, was super friendly, funny and knowledgeable. The church itself is amazing to look at and walk around in. The beauty of it stuns you and the history amazes. It goes beyond what we learn in history class. Your there in the moment... incredible. You go to the very top of the church to the final floor. Where a hidden secret gets discovered. My five and nine year old were so intrigued in everything the tour guide was talking about. He did a great job of involving them and making it kid friendly. The history behind this church is amazing. A must see when in town.

This rating is for the public tour, not the church or the church service. This tour is awesome. It's about a 90 minute tour, given by the church historian, who is a member very passionate about African American history, the church history, and the history of slavery in America. This church claims to be the oldest Black church congregation, dating back to somewhere between 1773 and 1775. You will get to tour the sanctuary, the archive room (with a lot of memorabilia dating back to ~100 years), and finally the church basement. The church basement may not seem all that exciting, but it was the area that Martin Luther King Sr. organized civil rights rallies, and the tour guide thinks that the crawl space beneath the basement was part of the underground railroad where runaway slaves were hidden. By far the best part of the tour was the tour guide, which is why I'm giving the 5 stars. She is a great storyteller and tells the history of the church, dating back to the first pastor who was a slave that was taught to read by his master, a Deacon who didn't follow the rules and gave certain liberties to the first pastor. Anyway, I don't want to spoil the rest of the tour; it's best if you just go, take the tour, and hear it firsthand from the tour guide. She makes the history of the church and the story of slavery in the Savannah area come alive. The lady is really nice, but don't try to take pictures. She'll yell at you. :) I'm not sure if all of her stories are all true; for example she said that slaves invented the broom and dustpan because they got tired of cleaning the floor by hand. But I do believe most of her other stories, or at a minimum, she tells the stories with such confidence, the version she tells is entertaining as it is. After all, we may never know what really happened down South during the time of slavery. The tour is a $5 donation for adults. You can park on the street for 2 hours for free if you can find a spot.