History of First Baptist Church of Newton, New Jersey

Throughout the early history of America, men and women who searched the Scriptures came to the conviction that they ought to be followers of the Word of God, rather than the traditions of men. Individuals like Roger Williams who in 1639 founded a Baptist Church so that individuals would have true liberty in their relationship with God, bound only by his Word. In that tradition was William Marsh, who in 1750 led several families out of established Churches in New England to form a new settlement of Christian believers near present day Augusta, in Sussex County, New Jersey.

Augusta Hill Baptists, New Jersey historical

These humble stones mark the site of the first Church and Cemetery started by these folk. As people came to faith and the Congregation grew, groups started out to plant new bible believing Churches in Wantage, Hamburg and Newton.

"Sunday, June 20, 1835 dawned on the village of Newton much like any other Sunday . . . It was in fact to the courthouse that a group of people could be seen headed that Sunday morning so long ago for the purpose of holding a meeting to establish a new Baptist church congregation." (excerpted from our Sequicentennial History)

In 1841 William S. Hibler purchased a lot at Main and Liberty Streets for the purpose of building a Baptist Church. On February 25, 1847, the building of the First Baptist Church of Newton was finally dedicated.

The original frame building, circa 1905

New building, circa 1915

After fire damaged the original building in 1910, a new building of white brick was raised in it's place. The auditorium was designed to seat 350 persons. The main Sunday school room had a capacity of 150 and the primary room, a capacity of 75. The floor in the auditorium is inclined, made of hard wood. Pastor John R. Humphreys dedicated the new First Baptist Church of Newton on May 7, 1911. Many additions and renovations have been made in recent years.

Spanning 170 years of history, our church exists as a demonstration of the faithfulness of God. God's Word declares that Jesus "will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." We thank God for His incessant and lavish care for us down through the years, some marked by pain, others abundant in blessing.

The constant for us has been the mandate to make Him known and the gentle care of our loving God. We look forward to how He will use us in the days ahead.

First Baptist is affiliated with the Mid-Atlantic Conservative Baptist Churches of America, a collection of like-minded churches who have entered into covenant with one other. Our mission as a church is to glorify God, edify believers and reach our community for Jesus Christ.

First Baptist, Summer 2005

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
110 Main Street - Newton, NJ 07860
tel# 973-383-9757 - Return to MAIN PAGE

First Baptist is in voluntary affiliation with MACBA, the Mid-Atlantic Conservative Baptist Churches of America, and with CBAmerica, a collection of like-minded churches who have entered into covenant with one other.