Plaque Text for South Carolina Landmark #7-40:
This church, founded in 1865, grew out of an antebellum praise house for black members of the Baptist Church of Beaufort. During the Civil War, after the Federal occupation of the town, it hosted a school for freedmen. Rev. Arthur Waddell (1821-1895), its founding pastor, had come to S.C. from Savannah, GA. In 1867, Rev. Waddell and two black ministers from Savannah formally organized this church.
In 1885, the congregation, with more than 900 members, built this “handsome and commodious” Carpenter Gothic church. Rev. Waddell continued to serve this church until he retired in 1894. At his death in 1895, First African Baptist was described as “one of the most aristocratic colored churches.” Robert Smalls (1839-1915), Civil War hero, state legislator, and U.S. Congressman, was its most prominent member.
More about First African Baptist Church:
That pretty well sums it up!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at the Beaufort County Historical Society!
- Become a member of the Beaufort County Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
601 New St
Beaufort, SC 29902
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Services are held here on Sundays at 11:00 AM and Thursdays at 6:00 PM!