Church History

The First Gatherings

Baptist services were held intermittently at Washington Hall on Millburn Avenue during the year or two before the church was organized.

A Church Is Founded

On Monday evening, October 18, 1858, believers gathered at Washington Hall to establish the Millburn Baptist Church, now known as First Baptist Church of Millburn. Its beginnings included members from Northfield Baptist Church in Livingston.

The nine founding members were: Samuel Edwards, Sidney W. Edwards, William Hastings, James James, Sally Drew, Catherine Green, Isabella Lee, Susan Marsh, and Julia A. Spangler. They adopted Articles of Faith and called Rev. Hugh C. Townley as their first pastor.

• Samuel Edwards
• Sidney W. Edwards
• William Hastings
• James James
• Sally Drew
• Catherine Green
• Isabella Lee
• Susan Marsh
• Julia A. Spangler

Isabella Lee’s Remarkable Contribution

Isabella Lee was already 70 in 1857. She organized support for the new congregation, bringing together representatives from neighboring churches. Four churches initially responded; a renewed invitation brought representatives from eight.

Lee donated land at Millburn Avenue and Spring Street and contributed $1,000 toward construction. She remained a devoted supporter until her death in 1871, even forgoing a personal carriage so she could give more to the church.

Laying the Cornerstone

Rev. Townley laid the cornerstone on Wednesday, August 10, 1859. The construction project was another step of faith following the congregation’s founding.

• A New Testament
• Church documents
• Records
• Newspapers
• A photograph of Isabella Lee

Perseverance Through Hardship

Financial difficulties during the Civil War era, losses in membership, lightning damage to the steeple, and legal complications concerning incorporation and property challenged the congregation.

Nevertheless, members continued their work. More than $3,500 was eventually raised and spent on necessary repairs.

A Renewed Church Building

Following extensive repairs, the congregation rededicated its church in February 1889. By July, only the parsonage mortgage remained outstanding.

Fifty Years of Church Life

The church reached its fiftieth anniversary on October 18, 1908. An anniversary photograph captured the church at that milestone, linking later generations with the congregation’s early years.

Worship and Sunday School

In 1910, Rev. Carey S. Thomas served as pastor and J. J. McChesney as Sunday School superintendent, continuing the church’s ministry of worship and Bible instruction.

Rev. Romaine F. Bateman Begins His Ministry

Rev. Romaine F. Bateman began his pastorate on October 4, 1931. His extended ministry became a significant chapter in the church’s history.

Rev. William C. Lincoln

Rev. William C. Lincoln accepted a call on March 23, 1967, succeeding Rev. Bateman.

Rev. Richard Hines

Rev. Richard Hines served from 1976 to 2021. His approximately 45-year pastorate represents another extended period of leadership in the life of First Baptist Church of Millburn.

Dr. David Pope

Dr. David Pope served from 2023 to 2025. His ministry was a period of growth in membership, church structure, and giving.