The First Baptist Church celebrates 160 years
The First Baptist Church choir is shown in this undated photograph.
This March marks the 160th anniversary of First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia. What started as a church plant from New Hagerstown, Ohio with 11 charter members and a modest brick structure on the corner of Fair Avenue and Second Street in 1858 has grown into a thriving and established church body with 16 decades of ministry, community involvement and global missions.
Since its dedication First Baptist Church has seen history come and go, all the while faithfully serving its devoted members and beloved community. In 1950, under the leadership of Pastor Ralph Rayment, the church was involved in starting the radio broadcast program, “Your Family Altar,” as well as opening The Gospel Bookstore downtown.
In 1973, under the leadership of Pastor Wesley Hunt, the church outgrew its building on Fair Avenue, purchased land on the southwest edge of town and broke ground on what would eventually become the current church building at 878 Commercial Ave. SW.
The church has been led by Pastor Jeff Bartell since 2008. First Baptist currently offers a variety of ministries and services to its members and the community. The church has vibrant children and student ministries along with a growing number of groups for young adults up through senior citizens.
For its developing members, First Baptist has several growth opportunities that include personal discipleship mentorships, a ministry tools and training course, and an online Bible institute comprised of a network of like-minded churches from all over the nation.
For the community the church offers an effective addiction recovery program called A New Beginning, an after-school program in seven local elementary schools called Good News Clubs, a ministry that focuses on serving mentally disabled adults called Good Shepherds, and a program to help members of the growing Latino community learn English as a second language.
On March 18 at 10:30 a.m. First Baptist Church will host a special service to celebrate its 160 years of ministry. Historical church documents will be on display in the lobby along with a 16-foot-long timeline comparing U.S. history with First Baptist history.
The service will feature choir-led worship as well as some throw-back worship songs led by their praise team, a mini-documentary of the church’s history, a special message from Bartell and more. All are welcome to attend.