Bryan, Andrew
1737-1812 · Contribution: 1788-1812
Baptist minister
Founded and pastored First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, for 24 years, building it from an initial 67 members in 1788 into a congregation of nearly 2,800 by 1831 despite enduring imprisonment and public whipping for preaching to enslaved people

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1737, Goose Creek, South Carolina
- Active since
- 1788
- Category
- Religious & Spiritual Leadership
- Best known for
- Founding and pastoring First African Baptist Church of Savannah
Impact on the world
Bryan sustained and grew one of the oldest Black congregations in North America through violent persecution, and the land he purchased in 1793 became among the oldest real estate continuously owned by Black Americans.
Sources
- New Georgia Encyclopedia
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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