The Second African Baptist Church-Savannah, Georgia
Black History Month has been celebrated in February in the United States since 1976. It is a time to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans and their achievements and culture. Many historically Black churches will offer special sermons. They will have guest speakers. Churches will also provide educational sessions to uplift their congregations on the resilience of the Black community throughout history.
“Savannah’s Historic Second African Baptist Church, located on Greene Square, was established on December 26, 1802, with twenty-six members. These members were servants, skilled workers, and some freed Negroes who were living in Savannah, Ga. Rev. Henry Cunningham, a freed slave was our first pastor. He served faithfully as our pastor for thirty-nine years.
Second African Baptist Church, has always been the mecca of cultural affairs in the African-American community. On January 12, 1865, Rev. John Cox, one of our former pastors, met with General William T. Sherman and other religious black leaders to discuss the emancipation of slaves. Four days after General Sherman met with religious black leaders, it was in this church, General Sherman issued his famous Field Order #15, granting the newly freed slaves “40 acres and a mule.” To read more about this Historic church click here.
The church also served a role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the church and recited lines from his later “I have a dream” speech.
Savannah, Georgia is a year round visitors destination. With a treasure trove of histories sites, bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes to enjoy it all.
