The First African Baptist Church of Statesboro, Georgia, was organized in July 1889 by Reverend Inman Bryant of Guyton, Georgia. Fourteen individuals were instrumental in founding and organizing the first church. Namely, Bob and Lizzie Hall, Tom Ramsey, Rick, and Adeline Thompson, Edman and Cila Day, Jack and Sarah Ramsey, John and Mary Kiner, Warren and Lue Long, and Rev. Jack Lovett.

The church was named in honor of its founder, Mr. Bob Hall. It was located on what is now Institute Street and carried the name Hall Baptist Church.

During the early life of Hall Baptist Church, the congregation moved to the corner of Church Street and Cotton Avenue. The name was changed to the First African Baptist Church in 1900.

The church has had several ministers serve as Pastors throughout its history.

These ministers are as follows:

Rev. Jack Lovett- 1889

Rev. S.D. Rozier- 1894

Rev. S.P. Campbell- 1897

Rev. S.D. Rozier- 1900

Rev. J.W. Carr- 1905

Rev. W. M. Maxwell- 1906

Rev. S.D. Rozier- 1908

Rev. R.J. Johnson- 1914

Rev. D.G. Smith- 1922

Rev. J.P. Murphy- 1930

Rev. W.D. Kent- 1949

Rev. Bennie Brinson- 1972

Rev. Frankie Owens, Sr. - 2000

Rev. Bennie Brinson - 2017

Rev Christopher M. Culbreth, I - 2019

From 1921 to 1949, the church was a member of the Walker Missionary Baptist Association. It returned to the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Association under the direction of Rev. W.D. Kent in 1949.

In 1978, the building on Institute Street was purchased from the congregation of the Statesboro Church of God. This action enabled the church congregation to return to Institute Street, the original location of its founding. In 1979, ten members separated from the community and went back to the old site on Church Street and Cotton Avenue. The name that this group adopted was The Old Historical First African Baptist Church.

In 1988, the congregation which remained at the site on Institute Street modified its name to The First African Baptist Church of Statesboro, Georgia, Inc. (duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia). To affirm its heritage, history, and mission, the group adopted the name The Original First African Baptist Church of Statesboro.

The initial Board of Directors (first registered at 203 Church Street, then moved to 227 Institute Street) consisted of the following deacons: C.T. Lee, James E. Evans, Jessie Moore, G.M. Douglas, John Harris, William Scott, Walter Deloach, Joe Hayward, David Knight, Robert Donaldson, and Hosea Williams.

In 2000, Pastor Frankie L. Owens, Sr. was called to serve, and under his direction and leadership, over 30 ministries flourished.

In 2003, Pastor Owens ordained the following deacons: Charles Farley and Joe Goodwin.

In 2004 and 2006, Pastor Owens licensed and ordained the following ministers: Rev. Jean Owens and Evangelist Juanita Allen.

In 2008, under the direction and leadership of Pastor Frankie Owens, Sr. and the following Board of Deacons: Larry Allen, Charles Bonds, Archie Byrd, Arnie Cooper, Charles Farley, Joe Goodwin, Randy Gunter, Hugh Harden, David Knight, Eddie Mincey, Larry Robbins, Raymond Scott, Earl Smith, and Roosevelt Whitney, eleven acres of land at 545 Westside Road, Statesboro, Georgia, were purchased on which to erect a new tower. A groundbreaking ceremony to return thanks to God was held in October 2008. In March 2010, the first regular service was held at this site. On August 29, 2010, an official program of dedication was held.

In 2012, Minister Jimmy Spivey joined OFAB Church. In 2013, Deacon Larry Shatteen became an ordained member of the Board of Deacons. See less

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