Humble Beginnings

 

The First Baptist Church of Lakewood began with a small group of believers meeting in Smith’s Hall on Main Street in Lakewood, NJ. Gathering with hope, prayer, and perseverance, the Rev. W. E. Brown of the nearby Orient Church helped guide these early meetings as the young fellowship took shape.

 

1860s–1870s: Finding a Place to Worship

 

By 1869, the church had grown to forty-two families and began holding services in the old Episcopal Church at Clifton Avenue & First Street. This was a significant milestone made possible by the shared commitment of both congregations to advancing the Gospel. In 1870, land was purchased at Madison & Second Street, but the financial crisis of 1873 forced the deed to revert to the Episcopal Church. Although a setback for the First Baptist Church of Lakewood, the experience strengthened the congregation’s resolve to have its own church home for worship and service to the community.

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A Permanent Home Takes Root

 

Within a few years, through the generosity of community leaders, the congregation secured property on the southeast corner of Clifton Avenue & First Street—the site we still call home today. A beautiful stone sanctuary was built and later formally dedicated on March 27, 1898, with Pastor Wedemeyer serving as the congregation's leader.

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Gifts, Growth & Notable Ministry

 

Local tradition holds that George G. Smith later donated (or helped secure) the remainder of the property at First & Clifton. The mortgage for the original property and the original building was fully satisfied on May 5, 1959. Over the years, many pastors have faithfully served as the under shepherd of First Baptist. Among them, Rev. Marshall Sewell is especially remembered for a fruitful ministry. During his time of service, John D. Rockefeller was a faithful member of the church.

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Sacred Music & Art

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In 1898, George G. Smith gifted the original pipe organ that once filled the sanctuary with sound. Though replaced by an Allen electronic organ in the 1990s, the historic pipes remain in place as a tribute to our musical heritage. Our stained-glass windows, rich in color and symbolism, continue to draw worshipers into reverence and reflection.

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Expanding to Serve

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In 1978, under the leadership of Rev. Reese Mahoney, the church added an Educational Building to support the growing ministries of teaching, discipleship, and community care.

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Preserving the Sanctuary

 

The sanctuary you see today is essentially the same structure as the one dedicated in 1898. The only major exterior change came in 1995, when the steeple was rebuilt to address some structural concerns.

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Who We Are Today

 

In March 2025, Ted Kostich was called to serve as the pastor of The Historic First Baptist Church of Lakewood, NJ. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, Pastor Ted brings over 40 years of leadership experience and nearly 30 years of ministry experience to our church.

 

First Baptist Church is rooted in the Gospel and grateful for a rich history. We are a welcoming congregation committed to glorifying God, growing in the Word, and living out the teachings of Jesus in our community and beyond.

 

Whether you are exploring faith, returning to church, or seeking a place to serve, we invite you to join us in worship and ministry.