The celebration continued Saturday evening with a catered dinner, followed by George Fillgrove, Senator Cathy Young’s representative, reading a New York legislative resolution recognizing the church for its sesquicentennial anniversary. Concluding the evening, several former pastors and their wives shared memories of their time at First Baptist.
- Read the New York senate’s legislative resolution commending First Baptist for 150 years.
The celebration culminated Sunday with two preaching services in the morning, followed by lunch and an open house.
Former pastors and their wives who returned for the weekend included Don and Rachel Johnson, (1963–1969), Dan and Sara Gilbert (1977–1984), David and Brenda Hamilton (1985–1993), Wilber Barber (1996–2000), and Vern and Marj Dean (interim pastor, 2000–2001).
First Baptist Church was founded May 5, 1860, with a recognition council meeting on June 6, 1860. Pastor Ken Elgena (1943–1946) led the church out of the Northern Baptist Convention in 1943 and into fellowship with the GARBC and the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches in 1944, confirming the church’s position as a Regular Baptist church.
Richard Ehman, deacon, says, “It was great to reflect upon God’s faithfulness over the past 150 years and to give Him all the glory.” Nevertheless, ESF Representative Craig Golden reminded First Baptist Church that while they ought to remember the past, they must not live in the past. Instead, they must recommit to the present and refocus on the future.
