First Baptist Church of Hillside

Gazing up at the First Baptist Church of Hillside, have you ever wondered about the stories held within its walls? The First Baptist Church in the City of New York stands tall on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Its story began long before this magnificent structure graced the corner of Broadway and West 79th Street. Our journey starts in 1745, in the humble home of Jeremiah Dodge. He began holding prayer meetings, inviting ministers like Benjamin Miller to preach. In 1762, this small group, nurtured by Miller and John Gano, officially became the First Baptist Church in the City of New York. John Gano, their first pastor, even served as chaplain to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Legend has it, he even baptized Washington at the general’s request. The church’s first home was a modest building on Gold Street, built in 1760. Interestingly, an incident at this location, where African American visitors were treated with inhospitality, led to the founding of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. The First Baptist Church moved uptown, following the flow of the city’s growth. They built a new church on Broome and Elizabeth Streets in 1841, a beautiful early Gothic Revival structure. Then, in 1871, they moved again, this time to Park Avenue at 39th Street. Finally, in 1893, they settled into their current home at 265 West 79th Street. Designed by George M. Keister, the church’s unique architecture holds symbolic meaning. The taller tower represents Christ, while the shorter tower symbolizes the church, incomplete until Christ’s return. Inside, the sanctuary holds further symbolism. Inscribed within are excerpts from Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega remind us of Christ’s eternal nature. The current structure houses a M.P. Möller organ, originally built in 1985 for St. James’ Church on Madison Avenue. It replaced a Hall Organ Company organ from 1937, which itself had replaced an 1892 Jardine organ. The First Baptist Church of Hillside has journeyed through centuries, bearing witness to the ever-changing landscape of New York City. Its story is one of resilience, faith, and a commitment to its community. As you stand before it, remember the echoes of history resounding within its walls.