Doesn’t the name First Baptist Church in the City of New York have a nice ring? Its story began in 1745. Thirteen believers gathered in Jeremiah Dodge’s home for worship. The First Baptist Church can trace its roots back to this very home.
In 1753 the group moved to a rigging loft on William Street. Six years later the society bought land on Gold Street. They built their first church building there. The first service was held on March 14 1760.
The church was formally established in 1762. It was named “The First Baptist Church in the City of New York”. John Gano became its first pastor. The church quickly grew. In only three years membership increased from 27 to over 200.
Rev. Gano’s ministry was interrupted. The Revolutionary War called him to serve as Chaplain to General George Washington. Legend says Gano baptized Washington at the general’s request in Newburgh. Returning from the war Rev. Gano regathered his flock. He also restored the building. Later he helped found Brown University.
In 1801 the original church building was torn down. A new structure was erected on Gold Street from 1801 to 1802. At this location the society’s inhospitality to African visitors led to the establishment of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. Today it is a prominent Black Baptist church.
As city residents moved uptown the congregation purchased land. This was for their third church building. It was located on the corner of Broome and Elizabeth Streets. An early Gothic Revival building was constructed on this site from 1841 to 1842.
In the years after the Civil War business interests overtook residential areas. City citizens relocated uptown again. First Baptist sold its building on Broome Street. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew bought it. The proceeds were used to purchase property on Park Avenue at 39th Street. The society’s fourth church building a new brownstone Gothic structure was built in 1871.
The present First Baptist Church edifice is located on Broadway and 79th Street. It was built from 1890 to 1893. George M. Keister designed it. The sanctuary is set at an angle to the corner. It features a facade with Biblically related symbolism.
The taller tower represents Christ. It symbolizes Christ as the head of the church and the light of the world. The shorter tower represents the church. It will remain incomplete until Christ’s return. Flanking the main entrance are two side buildings. They provide space for Sunday School classrooms and meetings.
The First Baptist Church’s present organ was built in 1985. M.P. Möller originally built it for St. James’ Church on Madison Avenue. In 2005 the organ became available. First Baptist Church purchased it. Meloni & Farrier moved and rebuilt the organ. They installed all but six Pedal stops. This was due to space restrictions. The three-manual drawknob console was not modified.