 |
 |
|
The First Baptist Church of Bordentown is an historic church spanning more than two centuries. Since its founding in 1751 it has continually sought to advance the Kingdom of God through its worship, fellowship and outreach. Our parchment property deed of August 5, 1751 constitutes the first visible record that Baptists resided in the Bordentown area prior to that date. This deed states that John Coward, Thomas Cox and Joseph Borden, Jr. acted as agents for "several Religious persons residing in Bordentown afores and ye parts adjacent. Who are Members of Christian Congregations Baptized by immersion upon Profession of Faith". The first Baptist Meeting House was erected on this plot of land in 1752. During July 1834 the old meeting house constructed of black glazed brick was demolished to make away for the second church building, which was eventually dedicated in 1836. Additional property was acquired in 1859 and again the old church was torn down and construction begun on a larger edifice. The third house of worship here at Church and Prince Streets was then dedicated on March 17, 1861. In the stormy night of May 26, 1892 lightning struck the church steeple igniting a small fire which grew into a blazing inferno completely demolishing the wooden structure. While construction of our present edifice was underway the congregation worshiped in "The Tabernacle"--a temporary structure erected on Crosswicks Street. Today's building is the fourth church edifice to occupy this historic corner and was formally opened for worship services on the first Sunday in June 1894. The church school was erected and dedicated on September 26, 1965 as the William Leggett Kolb Christian Education Building. This brief historic sketch about our church centers upon the church buildings. In reality however, the church is composed of people who acknowledge Christ as the cornerstone of their existence; people who likewise possess vision, energy and dedication. We thank God for those men, women, children and pastors of this fellowship who labored for Christ throughout our history. Were it not for their constant efforts, our church would be just another relic of a bygone era. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|