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Click on the links below for info: COVENANT OF FBC 1858 THE YEAR IN WHICH... IN 1859... NEW BUILDING DEDICATED... WHERE IS DARROW CHAPEL... LONGTIME MEMBERS OF FBC over 60 yrs membership: NAME # OF YEARS Olive Dickinson 78 Elsie Tetlow 71 Arlene Couch 71 Leslie Martin 68 Donald Martin 68 Helen Ellis 67 Nancy Gaffin 64 Jean Forristall 63 Marjorie Griswold 63 Gordon Hurlbert, Jr. 63 Bradford Wylie 62 Ruth Leggett 62 Louise Nelson 62 Carol Wylie 61 |
| 150th ANNIVERSARY-----1858 TO 2008 |
First Baptist Church of West Hartford
| Dedicated to bringing Christian Faith and Life together through Worship, Outreach, Education and a Caring Community |
| First Baptist Church of West Hartford 90 North Main Street West Hartford CT 06107 |
150th Anniversary Booklet
The 150 year history of our church, the last 50 years written by Dick
Pierce, is now available. Copies, one per family were distributed at Church
Services last month. If you have not received your copy you may obtain
one from the Church Office. If you would like more than one copy give your
name and the number of additional copies you would like to the person
who gives you the booklet.
Additional copies will be distributed based on the remaining supply.
Your First Baptist Memories
As part of the 150th anniversary Celebration the Historical Committee is
asking members and friends to contribute some of their favorite First
Baptist Memories to an Album of Memories that will be kept in our church
library. A description of the project, and how you can participate is
available on the Church website on the index page.
Since we would like to use the computer for this project using the form on
the church website is encouraged. Copies are also in the narthex.
The 150 year history of our church, the last 50 years written by Dick
Pierce, is now available. Copies, one per family were distributed at Church
Services last month. If you have not received your copy you may obtain
one from the Church Office. If you would like more than one copy give your
name and the number of additional copies you would like to the person
who gives you the booklet.
Additional copies will be distributed based on the remaining supply.
Your First Baptist Memories
As part of the 150th anniversary Celebration the Historical Committee is
asking members and friends to contribute some of their favorite First
Baptist Memories to an Album of Memories that will be kept in our church
library. A description of the project, and how you can participate is
available on the Church website on the index page.
Since we would like to use the computer for this project using the form on
the church website is encouraged. Copies are also in the narthex.
First Baptist Memories
While we have already celebrated our church’s 150th anniversary, the
observance is not yet finished. Members and friends have been asked to
contribute their own experiences to an Album of Memories that will be kept
in our library. Several people have already done so, and there is room for
many more.
One is Cynthia Albertelly, who reminds us that on May 4 the Rev. Richard
Hardy quoted Mahatma Gandhi who said: “Whatever you do will be
insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” Cynthia goes on to
recall:” Several church members took fairly insignificant actions that had a
significant effect on me. When my husband and I first began coming to
church, Dick Leggett, Faith Geist, and Bill Ankerman greeted and
engaged us in conversation during Fellowship Hour, making us feel
comfortable and welcome. This was a factor in our decision to join the
church. Every Sunday in church, Dora Holman sat behind us. She never
failed, after the service, to touch us on the shoulder, smile sweetly, and
tell us how glad she was to see us there. This made us feel valued as
church members and participants.” Cynthia goes on to mention others, so
you’ll want to read her contribution to the Album of Memories when it is
placed in the church library.
You can still participate in this project. The office has a printed form that
you may use, or you may download the form from the church website
(fbcwesthartford.com). Then either send it in by mail (attention: Historian)
or email it (whfbc@yahoo.com).
While we have already celebrated our church’s 150th anniversary, the
observance is not yet finished. Members and friends have been asked to
contribute their own experiences to an Album of Memories that will be kept
in our library. Several people have already done so, and there is room for
many more.
One is Cynthia Albertelly, who reminds us that on May 4 the Rev. Richard
Hardy quoted Mahatma Gandhi who said: “Whatever you do will be
insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” Cynthia goes on to
recall:” Several church members took fairly insignificant actions that had a
significant effect on me. When my husband and I first began coming to
church, Dick Leggett, Faith Geist, and Bill Ankerman greeted and
engaged us in conversation during Fellowship Hour, making us feel
comfortable and welcome. This was a factor in our decision to join the
church. Every Sunday in church, Dora Holman sat behind us. She never
failed, after the service, to touch us on the shoulder, smile sweetly, and
tell us how glad she was to see us there. This made us feel valued as
church members and participants.” Cynthia goes on to mention others, so
you’ll want to read her contribution to the Album of Memories when it is
placed in the church library.
You can still participate in this project. The office has a printed form that
you may use, or you may download the form from the church website
(fbcwesthartford.com). Then either send it in by mail (attention: Historian)
or email it (whfbc@yahoo.com).
150th Anniversary:
Photo Album And Scrapbook
A Photo Album with pictures from the 150th Anniversary is now in the
Church Library. Since the Album cannot be taken out of the Library, spend
a few moments in the Church Library to look at more than 150 pictures
showing how First Baptist celebrated 150 years. The pictures are of events
that took place on May 3 and May 4. The photographers were Avrie
Malcom, Mike Thomas, Faith Geist, and Les Martin.. If you would like a
copy of any of the photos contact Les Martin.
The 150th Anniversary Historical Committee would like to prepare a 150th
Anniversary Scrapbook. Some of the items for the scrapbook are copies of
programs, congratulatory letters, and the newspaper article that was in the
June issue of West Hartford Life. This is a scrapbook that will be kept in
the Church Library along with the scrapbook we have for the 100th
Anniversary. The Committee could really use some help in preparing this
scrapbook. If you have any talent, time, or ideas we would love to hear
from you.
Please contact Faith Geist, Olive Dickinson, Carol Wylie, Sonja Davis, Dick
Pierce or Les Martin.. Help us make this a great scrapbook.
Photo Album And Scrapbook
A Photo Album with pictures from the 150th Anniversary is now in the
Church Library. Since the Album cannot be taken out of the Library, spend
a few moments in the Church Library to look at more than 150 pictures
showing how First Baptist celebrated 150 years. The pictures are of events
that took place on May 3 and May 4. The photographers were Avrie
Malcom, Mike Thomas, Faith Geist, and Les Martin.. If you would like a
copy of any of the photos contact Les Martin.
The 150th Anniversary Historical Committee would like to prepare a 150th
Anniversary Scrapbook. Some of the items for the scrapbook are copies of
programs, congratulatory letters, and the newspaper article that was in the
June issue of West Hartford Life. This is a scrapbook that will be kept in
the Church Library along with the scrapbook we have for the 100th
Anniversary. The Committee could really use some help in preparing this
scrapbook. If you have any talent, time, or ideas we would love to hear
from you.
Please contact Faith Geist, Olive Dickinson, Carol Wylie, Sonja Davis, Dick
Pierce or Les Martin.. Help us make this a great scrapbook.
| 150th Photo Album click on link above to enter the album |
The Reverend Elisha Cushman,
1859 - 1861
Born in Hartford, he received his Master of Arts
degree from Yale University in 1838 and was
ordained a Baptist minister on September 30,
1840. On April 1, 1858, he entered upon his
labors as pastor of the Church, served until June
3, 1861 and continued after that date until April
1, 1962 as supply. As a preacher of the Gospel,
he was uncommonly successful and popular, on
of the best evidences of which is the larger
number that had "taken up the cross," had been
baptized and united in the church under his
ministry. Dr. Cushman was the editor of the
Christian Secretary, a weekly religious paper
published for many years in Hartford in the
interest of the Baptist churches. He died in 1876.
1859 - 1861
Born in Hartford, he received his Master of Arts
degree from Yale University in 1838 and was
ordained a Baptist minister on September 30,
1840. On April 1, 1858, he entered upon his
labors as pastor of the Church, served until June
3, 1861 and continued after that date until April
1, 1962 as supply. As a preacher of the Gospel,
he was uncommonly successful and popular, on
of the best evidences of which is the larger
number that had "taken up the cross," had been
baptized and united in the church under his
ministry. Dr. Cushman was the editor of the
Christian Secretary, a weekly religious paper
published for many years in Hartford in the
interest of the Baptist churches. He died in 1876.
| Excerpts from the Sesquicentennial History of First Baptist Church of West Hartford 1858 - 2008 150 Years of Witness (click here to view The Growing Years of FBC) |
The Reverend Thomas Carr,
1992 - Present
Tom has been Senior Minister of First Baptist
since 1992. He is a 1985 graduate of Colgate
Rochester Divinity School and served churches
in Ohio and Rochester, New York. His primary
interests are in preaching, worship leadership,
teaching and spiritual growth, and his hope for
people, inside the church and out, is for
deeper spiritual lives. For many years, Tom
has been deeply involved in issues of
environmental justice and care of God’s
creation and is the co-founder of the state-
wide, interfaith Inter-religious Eco-Justice
Network
1992 - Present
Tom has been Senior Minister of First Baptist
since 1992. He is a 1985 graduate of Colgate
Rochester Divinity School and served churches
in Ohio and Rochester, New York. His primary
interests are in preaching, worship leadership,
teaching and spiritual growth, and his hope for
people, inside the church and out, is for
deeper spiritual lives. For many years, Tom
has been deeply involved in issues of
environmental justice and care of God’s
creation and is the co-founder of the state-
wide, interfaith Inter-religious Eco-Justice
Network
The Reverend Daniel G. Rider
1943-1949
A native of Maryland, Rev. Rider accepted a
call to become our pastor in September, 1943.
He was a graduate of Gordon College in
Boston with a Bachelor of Theology degree in
1930 and received his Bachelor of Divinity
degree from Andover Newton Theological
Seminary in 1942. He served as Pastor of the
Baptist Church in Laconia, NH, where he
organized on of the largest churchmen's club
in the state. Mr Rider was active on the Board
of Managers of the Connecticut Baptist
Convention, serving as chairman of the
Stewardship Committee.
1943-1949
A native of Maryland, Rev. Rider accepted a
call to become our pastor in September, 1943.
He was a graduate of Gordon College in
Boston with a Bachelor of Theology degree in
1930 and received his Bachelor of Divinity
degree from Andover Newton Theological
Seminary in 1942. He served as Pastor of the
Baptist Church in Laconia, NH, where he
organized on of the largest churchmen's club
in the state. Mr Rider was active on the Board
of Managers of the Connecticut Baptist
Convention, serving as chairman of the
Stewardship Committee.
The Reverend Ellis Gilbert,
1926-1943
Born April 28, 1873 in Watkins Glen, New York,
the Rev. Gilbert graduated from the University
of Rochester in 1900 and from Rochester
Theological Seminary (now Colgate-Rochester)
in 1903. He served for nine years as pastor of
the First Baptist Church of Danbury before
coming here. During his ministry, the church
membership increased from 135 to 424 and the
Education at the time of his resignation in 1943.
1926-1943
Born April 28, 1873 in Watkins Glen, New York,
the Rev. Gilbert graduated from the University
of Rochester in 1900 and from Rochester
Theological Seminary (now Colgate-Rochester)
in 1903. He served for nine years as pastor of
the First Baptist Church of Danbury before
coming here. During his ministry, the church
membership increased from 135 to 424 and the
Education at the time of his resignation in 1943.
A History of The First Baptist Church of West Hartford, Connecticut
(excerpts taken from p. 6 & 7 of the Sesquicentennial History Booklet as
prepared by Richard N. Pierce)
The year was 1858.
The world was enjoying a brief interlude of peace following two years of violence
in Crimea...
Queen Victoria, on the throne of England for more than a decade, departed
from conventions just long enough to exchange greetings with President James
Buchanan over the first Atlantic cable linking the United States with Great Britain.
Charles Darwin was laboring feverishly over the final pages of one of the most
controversial literary works of all time.
Our nation was recovering, all too slowly, from the depression of '57. Out in
Illinois, two young politicians by the names of Stephen Douglas and Abraham
Lincoln were in vehement disagreement over a far-reaching principle. Montana
was in the throes of becoming the 30th state to join the Union. California was
being deluged by hordes of mercenary "Easterners" lured by the magic cry of
"GOLD" Butterfield's Overland Mail, consisting of a six-passenger coach drawn
by four horses, began its semi-weekly service between St. Louis and San
Francisco, thereby providing the first overland mail service to the far West.
In New York, a happy couple known as the Roosevelt's, unaware of the full
significance of the moment, joyously announced the arrival of their infant son,
Theodore.
In Connecticut, more that a century and a quarter had passed since a band of
Puritans, known as Mr. Hooker's Company, set out from Essex, England for
America to settle first in New Towne, Massachusettes and, less that three years
later, to take the Great Trail to Hertford.
Scarcely, four years earlier, in 1854, a divided legislature had passed-after
nearly two generations of disagreement on the subject-a special act creating the
town of West Hartford. A nationally known figure, answering to the picturesque
name of "Twain" could be seen by local citizenry as he strode through the
streets on his frequent strolls to Monte Video atop Talcott Mountain.
Amid the backdrop of these momentous happenings which were
transpiring on the world, national, and local scenes, and event of vital
importance to the future of First Baptist Church was taking place in a
quiet meeting room in West Hartford. It was the 24th of April, 1858.
(excerpts taken from p. 6 & 7 of the Sesquicentennial History Booklet as
prepared by Richard N. Pierce)
The year was 1858.
The world was enjoying a brief interlude of peace following two years of violence
in Crimea...
Queen Victoria, on the throne of England for more than a decade, departed
from conventions just long enough to exchange greetings with President James
Buchanan over the first Atlantic cable linking the United States with Great Britain.
Charles Darwin was laboring feverishly over the final pages of one of the most
controversial literary works of all time.
Our nation was recovering, all too slowly, from the depression of '57. Out in
Illinois, two young politicians by the names of Stephen Douglas and Abraham
Lincoln were in vehement disagreement over a far-reaching principle. Montana
was in the throes of becoming the 30th state to join the Union. California was
being deluged by hordes of mercenary "Easterners" lured by the magic cry of
"GOLD" Butterfield's Overland Mail, consisting of a six-passenger coach drawn
by four horses, began its semi-weekly service between St. Louis and San
Francisco, thereby providing the first overland mail service to the far West.
In New York, a happy couple known as the Roosevelt's, unaware of the full
significance of the moment, joyously announced the arrival of their infant son,
Theodore.
In Connecticut, more that a century and a quarter had passed since a band of
Puritans, known as Mr. Hooker's Company, set out from Essex, England for
America to settle first in New Towne, Massachusettes and, less that three years
later, to take the Great Trail to Hertford.
Scarcely, four years earlier, in 1854, a divided legislature had passed-after
nearly two generations of disagreement on the subject-a special act creating the
town of West Hartford. A nationally known figure, answering to the picturesque
name of "Twain" could be seen by local citizenry as he strode through the
streets on his frequent strolls to Monte Video atop Talcott Mountain.
Amid the backdrop of these momentous happenings which were
transpiring on the world, national, and local scenes, and event of vital
importance to the future of First Baptist Church was taking place in a
quiet meeting room in West Hartford. It was the 24th of April, 1858.
The Reverend Earle W. Darrow
1915-1920
Born in Waterford, Connecticut, October 15,
1873, Mr. Darrow received his Bachelor of
Divinity degree from Newton Theological Institute
in 1908 and his Master of Arts degree from
Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1918. He was
ordained at Sterling, CT in 1906. He became
our pastor on November 15, 1915 and remained
until August 31, 1920. During World War I, Mr.
Darrow gave part of his time to industrial war
work under the Y.M.C.A., holding religious
services during noon hour in the ship building
plants and other industries in New London. He
served as our Interim Pastor in 1943 and again
in 1949 to 1950 and he was our Pastor Emeritus
from 1950-1954.
1915-1920
Born in Waterford, Connecticut, October 15,
1873, Mr. Darrow received his Bachelor of
Divinity degree from Newton Theological Institute
in 1908 and his Master of Arts degree from
Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1918. He was
ordained at Sterling, CT in 1906. He became
our pastor on November 15, 1915 and remained
until August 31, 1920. During World War I, Mr.
Darrow gave part of his time to industrial war
work under the Y.M.C.A., holding religious
services during noon hour in the ship building
plants and other industries in New London. He
served as our Interim Pastor in 1943 and again
in 1949 to 1950 and he was our Pastor Emeritus
from 1950-1954.
The Reverend Albert M. McCartney
1950-1954
Born in Springfield, Ohio, he was very active in
the Baptist church in Springfield and was
president of the Young People's Group. He
attended Colgate-Rochester Divinity School
following his graduation from Colgate
University. He was the chaplain for Navy-V12
units at the Universiy of Rochester during
World War II.
1950-1954
Born in Springfield, Ohio, he was very active in
the Baptist church in Springfield and was
president of the Young People's Group. He
attended Colgate-Rochester Divinity School
following his graduation from Colgate
University. He was the chaplain for Navy-V12
units at the Universiy of Rochester during
World War II.
The Reverend Richard B. Hardy
1955-1966
Graduate of Boston University, Princeton
Theological Seminary, and Andover Newton
Theological School, Rev. Hardy was active in
denominational and interdenominational
groups both locally and at the state level. He
served a two-year tem as president of the
Connecticut Baptist Convention.
1955-1966
Graduate of Boston University, Princeton
Theological Seminary, and Andover Newton
Theological School, Rev. Hardy was active in
denominational and interdenominational
groups both locally and at the state level. He
served a two-year tem as president of the
Connecticut Baptist Convention.
The Reverend Donald H. Crosby
1976-1983
Rev. Crosby received his B.A. from Gordon
College in 1956 and his B.D. from Gordon
Divinity School in 1962. He was 42 years old
when he became our pastor. He was chairman
of the ABCCONN Dept. of Outreach and a
member of the Executive Committee of the
ABCONN Board of Managers. Our Search
Committee reported that "He has tremendous
verve and vitality, and his interests in
communicating the Christian Gospel is
contagious."
1976-1983
Rev. Crosby received his B.A. from Gordon
College in 1956 and his B.D. from Gordon
Divinity School in 1962. He was 42 years old
when he became our pastor. He was chairman
of the ABCCONN Dept. of Outreach and a
member of the Executive Committee of the
ABCONN Board of Managers. Our Search
Committee reported that "He has tremendous
verve and vitality, and his interests in
communicating the Christian Gospel is
contagious."
The Reverend Richard C. Brown
1967-1975
Born in Cranston, Rhode Island, Rev. Brown
was a graduate of Rochester Divinity School.
He served for three and a half years in the
Army during World War II in Europe. He was
active in urban ministries and new forms of
ministry that would allow the church to
creatively address the needs of the day. On
May 19, 1967, Rev. Brown was given the
Edward H. Rhoades Award for "outstanding
leadership in urban ministries."
1967-1975
Born in Cranston, Rhode Island, Rev. Brown
was a graduate of Rochester Divinity School.
He served for three and a half years in the
Army during World War II in Europe. He was
active in urban ministries and new forms of
ministry that would allow the church to
creatively address the needs of the day. On
May 19, 1967, Rev. Brown was given the
Edward H. Rhoades Award for "outstanding
leadership in urban ministries."
The Reverend William W. LeConey
1985-1992
Born in Moorsetown, New Jersey and a
graduate of Lafayette College in PA and the
Princeton Theology Seminary. He served in
several churches in New Jersey before coming
to West Hartford. He was a public school
administrator for eleven years in New Jersey
and held many denominational and community
responsibilities.
1985-1992
Born in Moorsetown, New Jersey and a
graduate of Lafayette College in PA and the
Princeton Theology Seminary. He served in
several churches in New Jersey before coming
to West Hartford. He was a public school
administrator for eleven years in New Jersey
and held many denominational and community
responsibilities.
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