A History of the First Baptist

Church in Norwich

1814-present

The First Baptist Church has been in the center of Norwich for over 185 years. The church building and membership have occupied a central place in the heart of the village, both physically and spiritually.

While we think of the Church as a building, we sometimes forget that it is really the members who, through worship, service and commitment have come together to advance the cause of Jesus Christ. The members are an integral part of the community and the Church is rich in history and tradition.

In August 1814, 15 dedicated persons gathered in the house of Jebadiah Randall to sign the Articles of Faith and the Covenant pledging themselves to the work of the Kingdom.

The first met in Elder Randall’s home located at the corner of South Broad and Hickock streets. Later, as the Church grew in number, they met on the second floor of what was known as “The Old Yellow Tavern.” The soon outgrew this space and services were held in the Court House. In 1817 a wooden church was built by the members on East Side Park, facing broad street.

The present church property was acquired in 1845 and a stone church was built at a cost of $9000. The stone came from the quarry on West Hill. Before the building was completed, the wooden church burned and the people again met in the Court House until the new building was completed.

Over the years many changes have taken place in the physical structure of the church building. In 1868 a second story addition was added to the east side to accommodate the organ and choir. In 1866 the galleries on the east and west sides of the sanctuary were removed. In 1886 a steeple was constructed.

The 75^th anniversary was celebrated in 1889. It was at this time that the word “first” was added to the title of the Church.

The first baptistery was installed in 1854. It was located under the pulpit platform and was so deep that the pastor and the candidate could not be seen by the congregation. During the 1860s the baptistery was out of repair, so the baptisms took place in Canasawacta Creek near the South Broad Street Bridge. The present baptistery as installed in 1915. It is beautifully framed in white marble.

The church bell was installed in the belfry in 1849. This was used not only to call people to worship but as the Fire Alarm for the city. The Fire Chief had a key to the church. He struck the bell with a 25 pound hammer. The bell was in use until 1966 when the tower that housed the bell was demolished and the bell weighing 1330 pounds was sold for $549.60. The steeple had been removed in 1940 when the wind threatened to topple it.

September saw a real need for additional space and it was decided to build an addition to the church which would include a new kitchen, pastor and secretary’s office and a Fellowship Hall. However, the day after a fund raising dinner was held, the ceiling in the sanctuary collapsed and there was fear that the building project would have to be postponed. In a spirit of unity, the congregation decided to continue the project and on September 25, 1966 ground was broken for the addition. Work on the restoration of the sanctuary continued with many members giving countless hours to clean up the plaster. In 1967 the beautifully restored Nave was dedicated.

The congregation at First Baptist first sang without accompaniment. A flute was used to give the pitch. In 1839 a small used organ was purchased and later, in 1846 a new organ was purchased at a cost of $400. In 1868 another organ was purchased for $1700. In 1914 money was given for the purchase of a Folgemaker pipe organ. In 1986 many of the stops did not work and the leathers were deteriorating. The congregation decided to purchase a new pipe organ at a cost of $63,000. This organ was built by the Leonard Carlson Company of Albany, New York and was dedicated on June 28, 1987. Several pianos have been given to the Church, including two grand pianos. A small electrical organ was also given to the Church by a former organist.

In 1860 a chorus choir was organized by Mrs. Albert Latham, who was also organist. In the late 1930s a paid quartet led the music. A thirty voice choir was formed in 1941. Several Junior Children’s Choirs have also participated in worship.

In 1968 an Otis Elevator was installed, making this a barrier free Church. The Mowry lounge was also completed in 1968 and this living room setting has been used by many church and community groups. In 1980 a new sound system was installed and services were taped, allowing shut-ins to enjoy the services. A library was also developed in honor of a former member.

In 2005 a new elevator was installed replacing the previous one. In 2004 a new sound system that allows the use of the latest recording devices was installed. Installation of a new heating system was also accomplished that year. Much of the cost for these items were covered through the generosity of Betty Walworth with funds left by her estate.

The beautiful stained glass windows in the sanctuary were installed in 1924, the first given in memory of Mrs. Alvira Latham, former organist and choir director. The window depicts Mary and Jesus at the tomb following the resurrection. Later five more memorial windows were installed. These were given by members of the church in memory of loved ones.

The Church has been privileged to host two New York State Baptist Conventions. The have celebrated several anniversaries of the founding of the Church; the last was 175^th in 1989.

The members of the Church have always been committed to service to the community. This outreach included the development of a program and center where youth could meet. This program became known as “The Place.” In October 1988 Guidepost magazine honored the Church with an award. Also an article appeared in the magazine about the First Baptist Church’s involvement in this undertaking. In 1974 a community centered dinner program was initiated for Senior Citizens and became known as “60+.” The Fellowship Hall of the church is used five days a week for this interdenominational group.

Because of its central location, building space was made available in 1964 for public school kindergarten classes. The church also initiated “Dial A Devotion” service through the local telephone company. First Baptist also participated in the broadcasting of Sunday Morning Church Services over the local radio station, WCHN. Space has been made available for groups including Social Security, TOPS, a diet group, and exercise class for senior citizens and for the Boy and Girls Scouts.

The Church has been blessed with many fine pastors and lay leaders, each with his or her own unique talents. First Baptist is proud of the many young people who have entered the ministry as ministers and missionaries as well as Christian Education leaders. The members have always been a forward thinking Church. While we are proud of our rich history and contributions to the community, we look forward to a future filled with opportunity and service. We continue to be guided by the principles of the Great Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

This history was written by Virginia Reid for the First Baptist Church.