First African Baptist Church, Hilton Head Island
One of the island’s oldest congregations, founded in Mitchelville in 1862 and now on Beach City Road, with a Sunday livestream.
- Denomination: Baptist
- Founded: August 17, 1862, in Mitchelville
- Sunday: Worship livestreamed every Sunday; call for the time
- Phone: (843) 681-6427
The Historic First African Baptist Church is at 70 Beach City Road. Its own history says it was established in the Town of Mitchelville on August 17, 1862, with twenty-five members, and was later moved to a ten-acre tract at its present location, where it was first called Crossroads Baptist Church. It describes itself as the fountainhead of the Baptist churches of the Hilton Head and Bluffton area.
The church and its history
Mitchelville was the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States, on the north end of the island. The church marked its 150th year in 2012 with a walk to Mitchelville and the unveiling of a historical marker, which stands in front of the church today. You can learn more at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park and in our guide to Gullah Geechee culture on Hilton Head.
Services and times
The church’s site invites everyone to join Sunday worship in person and livestreams the service every Sunday, with earlier weeks available to watch. The text of the site does not give a Sunday start time, so call (843) 681-6427 before you plan a visit around a service.
Visiting
Two other congregations are on the same road, Queen Chapel AME Church and St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church. Compare every congregation on the island in our guide to Hilton Head churches.
More Hilton Head churches
Queen Chapel AME Church on Beach City Road, Hilton Head: founded in 1865, with Sunday school at 10, worship at 11 a.m. and Tuesday Bible study.
Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church on Mathews Drive, Hilton Head: Sunday worship at 9 a.m. with a livestream and Wednesday Bible study.
Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head: Sunday school at 8, worship at 9 a.m. in person and online.
Every church on Hilton Head Island by denomination: the Catholic parishes, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and Gullah churches, and the synagogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is First African Baptist Church on Hilton Head?
At 70 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, near the site of Mitchelville.
When was First African Baptist Church on Hilton Head founded?
On August 17, 1862, in the Town of Mitchelville, with twenty-five members, according to the church’s own history.
What time is service at First African Baptist Church?
The church’s site does not list a start time in its text. It livestreams its Sunday service, and you can call (843) 681-6427 to confirm the time.
Can I watch First African Baptist Church online?
Yes. The church livestreams its service every Sunday, and earlier weeks are available on its site.
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