History of Our Church

     On November 25, 1885, a small group of faithful Baptists met in the Methodist Protestant Church of Shinnston on Charles Street and organized a Baptist Church for Shinnston.  There were 8 of these charter members.  The charter members were: Benjamin Lowe, Sarah Lowe, Mary A Swiger, Ferd C Richardson, Lafayette Rowand, Mrs. M. E. Thomas, William E Swiger, and Dr. W. N. Thomas.  They continued to meet in the Methodist Protestant Church until 1891.

     In the year 1891, the membership, now numbering 45, erected their own church building on a lot on upper Rebecca Street.  The white frame building was dedicated on December 9, 1891 and served as church home until 1914.  The first pastor of this building was Reverend George W Kinsey and he preached at the church one weekend each month.

     In 1914, the present church structure was erected.  The formal cornerstone laying took place on June 30, 1915.  The Reverend T. B Lawler was pastor when the new building was erected.

     In 1920, a fine Moeller organ was purchased to enrich our worship service.  This organ still serves today.

     It was not until May 1, 1927 that the present parsonage was completed. The Reverend Mr. Alfred Chaplin became the first resident.

     At the present time, the membership stands at 323 including resident and non-resident members.

     On June 9, 1889, we had our first Sunday School session.  The presnet average       attendance is around 120.  The organizaed classes presently consists of a nursery, kindergarten, primary, juniors, junior high, senior high, young adults. Fellowship Class, Reaching Ourt Class and The James Class.

     For the women of the church, we have the Frances Hawker Circle of the American Baptist Women Ministry.

     In 1959, we added a modern education wing to the existing church, incurring a debt of close to $100,000.  Reverend Louis McCord was the pastor during this period. By September of 1966, the debt was paid off.

     In 1995, we erected an activity building, now known as "The Lighthouse" across the street from the parsonage.  We have a full size gymnasium, kitchen, game room, exercise room, office, bathroom and classrooms.  The building was dedicated on February 6, 1996.  We have a very active Lighthouse Ministry consisting of Children & Youth Ministry, Tag-A-Longs, Middlers, Music, Crafts, Games, AB girls group, AB boys group, senior BYF, junior high BYF, AB Young Women, AB Young Men and College Ministry.