First Baptist Church, Potsdam NY

Our History - 1800’s, 1900’s, 2000’s

Our beginnings - 1800’s

On January 9, 1824 the First Baptist Church of Potsdam was founded by six men and seven women, meeting in the Methodist Chapel.

In 1846 the Church requested help from the NYS Baptist Missionary Convention for $200 to assist in having a full time preacher. Prior to this a part time preacher had been retained at $100/year. The Church now had 60 members, 22 males and 38 females. The town of Potsdam had five churches and 4,800 people, the village had 1,100 people.

In 1852 it was voted to secure the Town Hall for meetings and the following year in 1853 the male members of the congregation became incorporated as the First Baptist Society. The following year of 1854 showed the first Sunday School being organized and the first 'chorister to lead the church music' was hired.

In 1857 a building committee had been appointed in 1856 and in 1857 they purchased land which was part of the estate of David L. Clarkson located approxiamately where the gates of the original estate had stood. A provision in the deed in case a shed for horses was needed said, "the same shall be located on the west side of the lot and painted green colour"

In February of 1858 the church was completed and dedicated on March 4th with the pastor, Elder I. N. Hobart preaching the sermon. In September Rev. Hobart delivered a course of lectures on American Slavery leading some parishioners to threaten to withdraw support if he continued to make his lectures political.. Rev. Hobart informed them they could withdraw their support as he was capable of providing for his needs with his own hands.

In 1859 the Colton Branch of the Potsdam Baptist Church was formed. As was often the case, finacial problems plagued the church and they sought to find a 'free' music leader to replace the current one who was being paid. They also had some problems with the choir and urged the members to recruit friends to help out. In 1863 it was noted that they had not had a Pastor for over a year, no sabbath School and only Prayer meetings on Sunday evening, attended by just a few.

In 1868 the parsonage was built and the membership of the church was now 98. In the following year Dr. McVlear, principal of the Normal School joined the church and was quite influential in church activities for several years.

In 1873 this year marked the end of the 'pew rental' system and thechurch changed to 'envelope' giving and a 'free seat' plan-assigned by lot. Envelopes were left in the pew and gathered by the treasurer to meet the needs of the church.

In 1875 Rev. Charles Bascom was the pastor and served for 22 years. During the time a Sunday School room was built on the church and many forward strides were taken with the church reaching a membership of 168 in 1893.

Home

For questions or comments please contact the webscribe at TheGuildedPage.com