First African Baptist Church - Riceboro, GA
N 31° 44.847 W 081° 27.789
17R E 456133 N 3512536
In 1818 the North Newport Church, composed of both white and black members, purchased this site and erected a church building here.
Waymark Code: WM24TY
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 09/04/2007
Views: 49
Text on the historical marker reads:
“The First African Baptist Church, the oldest black church in Liberty County, had its origins in the North Newport Baptist Church, founded in 1809. In 1818 the North Newport Church, composed of both white and black members, purchased this site and erected a church building here which had a gallery for the slave members. In 1854 the North Newport Church moved to Walthourville, but the black members in this area continued to use the old building.
In 1861 the black members formed their own church organization and the first black pastor was the Reverend Charles Thin. On July 20, 1878 the North Newport Church sold the building to A. M. McIver for $225 for use by the First African Baptist Church.
One of the early white pastors of this church was the Reverend Josiah Spry Lay to whom a cenotaph was erected here in 1854 by both blacks and whites.
Three other neighboring churches have been formed from the membership of this church: First Zion Baptist Church in 1870, First African Baptist Church of Jones in 1896, and Baconton Baptist Church in 1897."
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1818
Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque
If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Baptist
If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 PM
If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday
Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 10:30 AM
Street address of Church:
119 Evans Cooper Rd
Riceboro, GA USA
31323
Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed
Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed
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