In July 1842, forty one believers stepped out in faith and constituted what was then the Northumberland Baptist Church. They purchased a small lot on 4th and Penn St. in Sunbury in 1850 and then our current property in 1872.
Three months later, eighteen people entered the waters of baptism in the Susquehanna River, the first recorded baptism in Sunbury. In that same month, the church had grown to eighty one members, including sixty nine new believers!
In 1874, the Baptist chapel was built, followed by a parsonage in 1883. The next major expansion was our present sanctuary in 1907, followed by our Sunday School wing in 1956.
Through the years, First Baptist Church, like many churches, has ebbed and flowed. During the Civil War (1861-1866), there was no pastor or regular meetings. The church was in danger of dying, except for the faith of twelve women who met regularly for prayer during those five years and kept the vision and hope alive. In fact, in the history of this church, there have been four different times spanning nine years where they have been without a pastor, but not without faith and perseverance to keep on.
It’s that continued faith and hope in our Lord and His Word that has led us to where we are today. We are an Independent Baptist and as such are a self-governing Body of believers whose sole authority is the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, the Bible.
We invite you to join us as we continue to make history for the glory of God!