FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WATERFORD

A Brief History

The First Baptist Church in Waterford, Connecticut, has a glorious heritage, as we look back on nearly 300 years of serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  An historic Baptist church in New London County, First Baptist is the second oldest Baptist church in the state.

Back in 1710, when Waterford was still part of New London, a group of Baptists felt they must have their own  church on this side of the Thames River.  They withdrew from the only other Baptist church in Connecticut, the First Baptist Church of Groton, and The Reverend Valentine Whiteman helped them     get organized in Waterford that year.  They met in homes for many years and at one time shared a meeting house with the Waterford Seventh Day Baptists, with each group holding services on their own Sabbath.  They hired their first pastor, Rev. Stephen Gorton, in 1726, who served as an evangelist as well as the local pastor.

Under the leadership of Elder Zadoc Darrow they built a church on Mullen Hill opposite the burial ground.   A stone marker with a background of low trees marks the spot where it stood.  As the congregation expanded they needed more room, so in 1848 the present sanctuary was raised here at the corner of  North and Rope Ferry Roads.  Sheds for the horses and buggies were later built and in 1882, the two   story rear addition was constructed.  The Sunday School, Christian Endeavor (youth group) and Prayer Meeting shared the large first floor room, while upstairs was the ladies parlor, kitchen and a large room where community activities and church suppers were held.

At this time the First Baptist Church of Waterford was part of the American Baptist Association, but in   1958, when Rev. Ralph Patterson was pastor, the church decided to withdraw from the Association because of its liberal views.  Since that time, this church has been a totally independent Baptist church and continues to maintain its solid beliefs in the Bible as the Word of God, salvation by faith, baptism   by immersion, symbolic Holy Communion, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the promise of heaven       for believers.

During the pastorate of Rev. William Reed, the land next to the church was obtained and another addition was built in 1975.  This Christian Education Building has a gymnasium, kitchen, nursery, six classrooms, rest rooms and staff offices.

The church's original parsonage faces North Road where Rev. David Moynihan, our Senior Pastor, lives with his wife Susan.  The church also owns a second home on Rope Ferry Road that is currently used for mid-week prayer meeting.

Our church has a wonderful history that attests to God's faithfulness to His people.  We desire to be faithful to Him as well and it is our deep desire to provide opportunities for witness, personal growth and service to those in First Baptist Church, the community of Waterford, and the world.