Source: New York Public Library Digital Collections
Synopsis
Founded under the Charter of 1732, Georgia was the last of the thirteen British colonies, known more formally at the time as "His Majesty’s Colonies and Plantations in America." For its part, Georgia was originally envisioned as a refuge where the "worthy poor" could rebuild their lives and start anew.1
The British government also strategically aimed to establish Georgia as a military buffer against Spanish Florida, safeguarding the more northern colonies already in place.2
However, financial challenges hindered the immigration of impoverished settlers, causing the original vision to fade.
To address the shortfall in immigration, the Trustees, who governed Georgia for its first 20 years, quickly began seeking colonists from more diverse backgrounds, leading to the early settlement of various nationalities and religious groups. This blend of cultures created a distinct and unique society unlike any other colony.3
As a vital port city, Savannah has long served as a crossroads for goods, ideas, and people from various regions and nations, driving economic activity and cultural exchange. Opportunities in shipping, trade, and related industries have drawn workers and entrepreneurs, while the steady flow of goods and travelers has introduced new customs, cuisines, and traditions. This diverse and dynamic environment has fostered a tolerant social climate, where a variety of religious traditions have flourished.
Over time, Savannah’s faith traditions have expanded to include numerous Protestant denominations, Jews, Catholics, Episcopalians, Unitarians, and Greek Orthodox. And the city became an early center for the growth and establishment of specifically Black Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopalian communities. In more recent years, growth in economic opportunities has attracted people of an even broader array of faiths, including Muslim, Baháʼí, Hindu, and Zen Buddhist traditions, along with a diversifying ethnic population.
