Beneath the New York sun, the Southern Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith and community. The Baptist Convention of New York’s story started in the mid-1950s. Transplanted Southern Baptists resettled in the region. Mainline denominations grew. Their own churches were crowded on Sundays.
Courts Redford called it a real Holy Ghost revival. Scattered flames threatened to become a consuming spiritual fire. Redford and his associates galvanized Southern Baptists. They seized opportunities for mission expansion. They moved into new areas.
As a convention of churches, the Southern Baptist Church has a missional vision. That vision is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They want to reach every person in the world. They want to make disciples of all nations.
Let’s step back to the 18th century for a moment. Jeremiah Dodge settled in New York City in 1745. He began holding prayer meetings in his home. He was a member of the Fishkill Baptist Church. He asked Benjamin Miller to preach. Miller came from Scotch Plains Baptist Church. Other ministers also preached. In 1753, thirteen members joined Scotch Plains Baptist Church. Miller baptized some of them. On June 19, 1762, they became an independent Baptist church. Benjamin Miller and John Gano organized it. They named it First Baptist Church in the City of New York. Gano served as pastor until 1776. Then he became a Chaplain in General Washington’s American Army.
In the early 19th century, the First Baptist Church built a new stone structure on Gold Street. But their “inhospitality” to African-Americans led to the founding of the Abyssinian Baptist Church. The congregation moved again in 1842. They relocated to a Gothic revival structure on Broome Street. It was also the headquarters of the Baptist Home and Foreign Mission Board.
Finally, in 1890, the First Baptist Church came to its present location. Because of a bend in Broadway, the site is prominent. The building stands at a 45-degree angle to the street grid. Inside the sanctuary, Hebrew and Greek texts share a profound message. The Hebrew text is from Genesis. It says: “In the beginning, God…” The Greek text is from John. It says: “In the beginning was the Word.” Above, Alpha and Omega symbolize Jesus Christ. Pi and chi may represent Father and Christ.
Today, the Southern Baptist Church continues its mission. It serves the community. It shares the Gospel. It welcomes all who seek faith and fellowship. The church stands as a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith in New York City.