A hundred years ago, First African Baptist Church was known only as the "brick church," the first black-owned brick building in the state of Georgia.
Under the guidance of founder and first pastor George Leile, the structure was built by members of the congregation and housed the oldest African-American church in North America.
The congregation later would add a hiding space beneath the massive plank floors for runway slaves, and later still, step forward in the civil rights movement.
First African Baptist's historic doors will swing open Saturday for the community to share in its 225th Anniversary Celebration, just one of the events planned for third annual Tour of Historic Houses of Worship.
The day-long tour will feature a look inside 17 churches throughout the historic and Victorian districts. It is an effort to promote better understanding among religions, as well as a chance to view architecture, history and holiday decorations.
"This is not a recruitment exercise," said coordinator Sheryl Tomo of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which originated the special event three years ago to celebrate the 2000 Jubilee year. "We simply wanted to open the doors of Savannah's religious centers to show we are all the same. We just worship differently."
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IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Tour of Historic Houses of Worship
DATE: Saturday, Dec. 28
TIME: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. except Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
COST: Free
TOUR ROUTE: You may begin the self-guided tour at any of the participating tour locations. Tour maps and programs will be available at each site.
SITES ON TOUR: Epworth United Methodist, Sacred Heart Catholic, St. Paul CME, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, St. Paul's Greek Orthodox, Bull Street Baptist, St. Paul's Episcopal, Wesley Monumental United Methodist, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Unitarian Universalist, First Baptist, Trinity United Methodist, First and Second African Baptist, St. Philips Monumental AME, Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Christ Church.
INFORMATION: 912-920-9395
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Tomo takes little credit for organizing the annual event.
"Each tour location is responsible for their own program. Many offer musical entertainment, presentations on history, religious symbolism, or refreshments, but all I do is bring it all together," she said.
The programs are as varied as the religious sects they represent.
Epworth United Methodist will offer refreshments, choir and hand bell performances from 1-2:30 p.m. while St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran features organ music performances, refreshments and a guided tour. Organist-emeritus Gene Jarvis will present a special performance from 1-4 p.m. at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension.
Both Trinity United Methodist and St. Paul's Episcopal churches have planned special musical programs. Sacred Heart Catholic Church will provide a self-guided tour explaining the symbolisms within its sanctuary followed by a presentation on church history and architecture from noon-12:30 p.m. The Sacred Heart choir will perform from 2-2:30 p.m.
"We felt people would better appreciate Sacred Heart if they understood its history and practices," explained Tomo. "But there is much to learn from each congregation who have agreed to participate in this special event. The Lutherans will display a Chrismon tree, and others will share their special holiday customs. It's an amazing cultural exchange."
The event has received various donations and funding from the community, and while individual churches may have a donation box on hand to help them offset their expenses, there is no charge to enter any of the churches on the tour. Organizers have applied for a grant that will help fund a Web site in 2003 to advertise the event.
According to Tomo, it's all made possible by a small army of volunteers like Al Cooper, who not only coordinates a program, but also distributes flyers to hotels and bed-and-breakfast areas around town; Sandra Messex, Betty Barber and the Rev. David Haygood who do the Methodist programs at Trinity and Wesley churches; and Nancy Oelschig, Mary Moriarity, Kay Saussy and the Rev. Diane Williams who assure the St. Paul churches display their best holiday greenery.
Chris Duffey, Chip Reeves, Ida Bowers, Corinthia Thomas, Willie Tomat, the Rev. Thurmond Tillman, Megill Brown and Brother Robert Sokolowski also serve as organizers for the once-a-year peek behind the doors of Savannah's religious gathering places.
Participants may visit one or all of the churches on the 2002 tour, but organizers suggest visitors allow a minimum of 30 minutes at each location. A program will be available at each stop to provide a schedule of events and map.
