Chatham County GaArchives History .....The 1st African Baptist Church, Chapter VI 1925
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CHAPTER VI.

   As stated above the First African Baptist Church was expelled from the
Sunbury Association in 1832, chiefly because she persisted in holding on to Rev.
A. C. Marshall as pastor. The white church, the association, and many others
contrived in numerous ways to induce the church to set him aside, but without
avail. Many of the whites had grown again to look upon the church as a menace to
white supremacy. Such a large body of slaves holding on so tenaciously to a
Negro leader at such a time under such circumstances was an anomaly. What if he
should decide to incite an insurrection? The situation was at times quite
intense. But Rev. Marshall was a very wise and artful man. He was careful always
to court the counsel and friendship of some of the most stalwart citizens of the
community, and always deported himself with gravity, meekness and courtesy.
Every thrust at Rev. Marshall strengthened the bonds of love and devotions of
his flock for him.

   For three years he deemed it needless to apply for restoration to the
association. Hence the church patiently abided its time. In 1835 she did apply,
but was denied. A committee appointed at that session to look into her affairs,
reported adversely at the next session. In 1837, she renewed her application and
was accepted. Thus her anxiety to return to the fellowship and communion of the
saints was at length satisfied. She emerged from the storm cloud fair as the
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. She was
represented at this session by Rev. A. C. Marshall and Deacon R. McNish,
reporting 1810 members. At this same session, the Second Baptist Church reported
1,268 members, and the Third Church, 189. During the defiant years, the country
farmers had influenced the members living on their places to connect themselves
with the churches of their masters; bringing them out from under the influence
of this powerful Negro preacher. From this time forth till the civil war, Mother
Zion remained in the Sun-bury Association. In 1860, the last year of the
existence of the old Sunbury Association, these three churches reported
memberships as follows: First African Baptist, 1,814; Second African Baptist,
1,266; Third African Baptist, 261.

   It is impossible for one to read the biography of this venerable man without
being profoundly impressed with the greatness of the marvelous Andrew C.
Marshall. He was born in Bryan County, Ga., December 25, 1745. He was converted
under the preaching of Andrew Bryan and doubtless baptized by Rev. Thomas
Burton. He later began to preach and succeeded Rev. Bryan in the pastorate of
the First Church, 1812. For a time he served as, missionary of the Sunbury
Association, and wherever he went to preach, crowds, white and black, went to
hear him in droves. His preaching was of the old order and abounded in scripture
quotations. He believed the Bible to be the best interpreter of the Bible;
hence, he always sought to make scripture explain scripture. His voice was
strong and powerful and at his complete control. He could make it so pathetic as
to melt his congregation to tears at will. He was also humorous, very witty and
marvelously eloquent. Once the Georgia Legislature adjourned a session to have
him speak to them.

   Under his wonderful influence, the First African Baptist Church bought the
beautiful and valuable site on Franklin Square and he laid the foundation for
the present magnificent structure. After he had strained his people, he went
north for the purpose of begging money to complete the brick edifice. Northern
people, doubting the wisdom of Negroes attempting valuable holdings in the
South, gave him but little assistance. Being already a hundred years old, this
trip was too strenuous for him. Beginning a rapid decline, he returned as far as
Richmond, Va., where he remained for a month; and on December 8, 1856, his
triumphant soul took its flight to be forever with the Lord. The church sent
Rev. William J. Campbell, who was supplying the pulpit at the time to go and
bring his remains to Savannah; and here on Sunday, December 14, his sorrowing
people honored in every possible way their venerable father. His funeral sermon
was preached by Rev. Thomas Ronbeau, pastor of the Savannah Baptist Church. But
few of the most distinguished citizens of this place were ever honored with such
a concourse of mourners as followed Rev. Marshall's body to its last resting
place. He died full of good works, full of honors, and full of faith.


Additional Comments:
From:

THE FIRST AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA

BY REV. EDGAR GARFIELD THOMAS, A. B., B. D.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Copyright, 1925
By E. G. Thomas, Author.


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