Sherman & Hemstreet Real Estate Company announces 802 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901, Old First Baptist Church has sold to new owners. Built in 1902, this historic downtown church is a fine example of the Beaux-Arts style. It features many characteristics indicative of the style, including decorative garlands, floral patterns, and symmetrical façade, according to Historic Augusta.  https://www.historicaugusta.org/properties/2014-old-first-baptist-church/

Partners of Sherman & Hemstreet, Connie Wilson, and Joe Edge, purchased the building from the current owner, Jeff Scott Rowe, of Hephzibah, Georgia. The transaction has been underway for almost a full year. The 16,228 square foot structure sits on 0.43 acres at the corner of Greene and Eight Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia.  

Joe Edge, President of Sherman and Hemstreet, shares, "The building is significant both historically and architecturally. It is one of the most unique and recognizable buildings in downtown Augusta. This historic church is where the Southern Baptist Convention was originally founded. There is a monument to commemorate the event even though the original structure burned down in the early 1900s. Our objective is to save this building and preserve this great piece of Augusta's history."

In recent decades the structure has fallen in disrepair. Plans for the building include cleaning up the grounds, a new roof, repairing the dome, and making the structure safe and sound. Also included is the renovation of the two-story office building in the rear which was added to the original structure in the 1920s. There are no firm plans for the sanctuary portion of the building at this time; however, multiple proposals are being considered.