HISTORY
In 1906, in what was known as Hilton Heights, New Jersey, (now Vauxhall, New Jersey), a group of people assembled at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Noan Wellman for a prayer meeting. After many such meetings a mission was started. During this time a strong desire had developed for a united Christian effort to meet the spiritual needs of the growing community. Accordingly, on July 8, 1907, members of the Mission met to consider the possibility of establishing a church. The Mission was recognized by the Baptist Association, and became known as the Union Baptist Church.
Immediately, plans were made for building a church. Through contributions, donations and fund raising programs the task was accomplished and the building was completed in 1908.
On July 16,1908, the church held it’s first service in it’s new edifice located on Oswald Place in Hilton Heights, New Jersey.
The church congregation became such a unified group, trusting and doing the work of the Lord, that their unification began attracting many others.
By 1913, with the rapid development of the community and the steady increase of membership, it became apparent to the trustees that at the rate the church was growing, it would be necessary to expand the quarters to accommodate the congregation. This led to the purchase of additional properties. A new church was erected in 1920 and the church cornerstone laid in 1921. Much progress was made during the following years.
In 1948, the name of the church – Union Baptist Church – was changed to that of First Baptist Church, Vauxhall, New Jersey.
On August 27,1979, construction began on a new church edifice which was completed in August, 1980. On Sunday, April 26, 1981 the cornerstone laying service was held.
The following Pastors have made their contributions to the history of the First Baptist Church:
Rev. H. Harper – 1906-1907
Rev. Isaac Johnson 1907-1909
Rev. Thomas E. Bell 1910-1913
Rev. James G. Bryant 1913-1952
Rev. Lewis Harrison 1954-1957
Rev. Elmer Williams 1958-1968
The present Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Marion J. Franklin 1971-to present.
God has brought us from hardship to hallelujah and as we continue to move in His future, may we ever be true to our calling and mindful of our mission, whereby many will see the church as a place where they can be refreshed in spirit, relieved from pain, released from bondage, and redeemed from sin. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to us. All Scripture is God-breathed, intended for divine instruction and is without error.
II. God
There is only one eternal God, existing is three equal persons. God is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
III. Humankind
Humanity was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of God’s creation. Our free will caused us to sin against God, thereby bringing sin into the human race.
IV. Salvation
Because sinful humankind is separated from a holy God, God Himself breached the gap to bring His creation to Himself. Jesus Christ, who was perfect and without sin, paid the penalty for our sins. Salvation is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
V. The Church
The church is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel. The church is a spiritual organism and an autonomous body.
VI. Baptism
Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water. It is an act of obedience whereby the believer publicly identifies with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
VII. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members memorialize the Lord’s sacrificial death to secure salvation for us.
VIII. Evangelism
It is the duty of every believer to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort.
IX. Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians are under obligation to serve the Lord with their time, talents, and material possessions.
X. Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. Marriage is the unity of man and woman in a covenant commitment. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both were created in God’s image.
MISSION AND VISION
Our mission as a community of faith is defined by the three “Rs”
Reclamation - We reclaim people who have been lost to the cause of Christ.
Restoration - We provide a safe healing place for the bruised, the broken and the battered.
Reproduction – We call the reclaimed and the restored to give what they
have received to others.
