Who We Are
History of First Baptist Church
North Tonawanda, New York
Historical Highlights of 120 Years
Early in 1885, while supplying the pulpit at the First Presbyterian Church in Tonawanda, Martin W. Twing, then a seminary student in Rochester, became concerned about those with Baptist Convictions, who were attending other churches. At that time the Tonawandas were fast becoming the largest lumber center in the country and many families were moving into the area. Mr. Twing began visiting those who were known to be Baptists.
As a result of the preliminary work done by Mr. Twing, two baptist pastors from Buffalo, Dr. John Gordon of Washington Street Baptist Church and Rev. George Whitman of Cedar Street Baptist Church, came to the Tonawandas in April to further survey the area. The afternoon was spent canvasing the area and then in the evening a prayer meeting was held in the home of Mr. Peter Hittel. A decision was made to begin meetings and were held at Good Templar's Hall on the third floor over The State Bank and Cramer's Hardware on Webster Street. Mr. McCutcheon, a seminary student from Rochester, preached the first sermon, followed on subsequent Sundays by Mr. Munger and Mr. James Grant, also from Rochester. From these meetings, enough interest was generated that the hall was ultimately rented and the services continued for the summer with Mr. James Grant acting as pastor until seminary resumed in the fall. Mr. Grant was zealous in his ministry and attendance grew from 25 to 75 on some Sunday Mornings. After much prayer, this small company of believers determined it was God's will that an English-speaking Baptist Church be established in North Tonawanda.
As a result, on September 6, 1885, a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing First Baptist Church. There were 18 Charter Members at this point. The Articles of Faith and Church Covenant used by The Cranston Street Baptist Church of Providence, Rhode Island were adopted.
On December 1, 1885, delegated from several Baptist Churches, gather to examine and recognize this new assembly as a Regular Baptist Church. Rev. G.R. Burnside of Dearborn Street Baptist Church, of Buffalo, NY preached the recognition sermon, using John 14:14/16 as his tet. Dr. John Gordon then gave the charge to The Church from Philippians 1:9-11:
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."
Appropriately, Martin W. Twing was called as the first pastor of First Baptist Church of North Tonawanda.
IN SUMMARY - A very evident need for a gospel testimony in the community, the burden of one man who inspired others; an area survey, and much prayer all played a vital part in the birth of First Baptist Church over 120 years ago.