St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church stands as a profound testament to the enduring spirit of African-American heritage and faith. Constructed in 1876 by former slaves hailing from the Butler Island Plantation near Darien, Georgia, this historic establishment holds a significant place in the tapestry of Georgia’s history.
     The church’s foundation is rooted in the aftermath of the Civil War and the harrowing events of the “Weeping Time,” the largest slave auction in U.S. history that took place in 1859.Amidst these challenging times, St. Cyprian rose as a beacon of hope, standing steadfast as a reminder of resilience and liberation.
    Built using the distinctive tabby construction method, a hallmark of mid-19th century coastal Georgia, St. Cyprian’s remains an architectural marvel to this day. Its enduring structure, believed to be one of the largest tabby buildings still in use in Georgia, serves as a living link to the past. 
    The church’s origins trace back to the efforts of James Wentworth Leigh, Dean of Hereford Cathedral in England, who conducted services for freed slaves on the Butler Island plantation in their lives to nurturing young minds, empowering
1873. This initial spark ignited a flame of faith and future generations to overcome challenges and determination within the community. In 1875, the embrace opportunities, congregation embarked on constructing the present-day St. Cyprian church, a labor of love that continues to thrive. Generosity played a pivotal role in the church’s history. The land on which St. Cyprian’s stands was donated by Frances Kemble Butler Leigh, a gesture that further solidified the church’s significance as a symbol of unity and progress. Despite facing significant challenges, including damage inflicted human spirit,by hurricanes in 1896 and 1898, the congregation’s unwavering resolve ensured the church’s survival and its role as a spiritual haven. 
    The church derives its name from Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, a towering figure in NorthAfrican Christianity who valiantly led his community during the Roman persecution. His sacrifice and steadfastness culminated in his martyrdom in 258 AD, marking him as the first bishop-martyr of Africa and an enduring source of inspiration. 
    A defining era for St. Cyprian unfolded from 1892 to 1914 under the leadership of the Rev. Ferdinand Meshac Mann, the church’s first African-American priest. Rev. Mann’s legacy reverberates through time, with his name etched into the very rafters of the church. During his tenure, the Mann School, also known as St. Cyprian’s School, was established. This
institution emerged as a beacon of education for African-American children in Darien, Georgia,leaving an indelible mark on thecommunity’spursuit of knowledge and empowerment.
    The Mann family’s commitment to education extended through the tireless efforts of Mary Alexander Mann, who co-founded the school alongside her sister, Dora Jeanette Alexander.These dedicated women and the formidable “Deaconess Anna E. B. Alexander” dedicated their lives to nurturing young minds, empowering future generations to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities.
    The legacy of St. Cyprian’s is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and community. Its walls have witnessed the ebb and flow of history, echoing the triumphs and trials of the past. As it continues to stand tall, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church
remains a source of inspiration, a testament to the enduring power of unity, hope, and the human spirit.