A Baptist presence has been felt in Williamsport since the middle of the Nineteenth Century. The early history of the First Baptist Church of Williamsport is beautifully recorded in our previous anniversary books, One Hundred Years of Christian Service to the Community and Twenty Five Years 1954 - 1979. Detailed reports for the last twenty-five years can be found in our Annual Reports and in our newsletter “The Gazette” which was started in 1975.

The first tells the story of the organization of the First Regular Baptist Church of Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania on December 17, 1854. The assembly of sixteen people, who met in a dingy room of the old Williamsport Court House, was a direct result of a preliminary action of the 33rd session of Northumberland Baptist Association in August of 1853 to make a survey of the Williamsport area with the hope of establishing a church to encourage the Williamsport Baptists. The Rev. J. Green Miles came from The First Regular Baptist Church of Jersey Shore to become the first pastor.

The history describes the donation of land, a lot on the corner of West Fourth and Elmira Streets by Mr. Peter Herdic, husband of a charter member Amanda Taylor Herdic, as being, "west of the city on the edge of a swampy farm and a worn out nursery." A beautiful white church with a spire was erected in 1859. Only two days after the first service in the new building, a hurricane tore off the roof and damaged the walls. That autumn, just after repairs had been made while the spire was in place but not yet secured properly, a violent windstorm caused the spire to fall. The community rallied with support to erect a new steeple. Its beautifully toned bell, a gift of Peter Herdic and L. A. Farnsworth, pealed with other city church bells on April 9, 1865, to celebrate Lee's defeat at Appomattox. The city was jubilant on that April day as the end had come of four years of Civil War during which 600,000 young men had died. The surrender was made when General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate Army, signed a peace agreement with General Ulysses S. Grant, Commander of the Union Army. The bell was rung so vigorously that it's tone was damaged beyond repair.

In 1886 the trustees purchased the two lots north of the corner church lot. One faced Elmira Street with a three-story building on it, the first home of the Williamsport Hospital, for $5,000. Later in that year they purchased the Kelly property on the corner of Elmira and Edwin Streets for $3,000. Plans were being made to build a larger building to accommodate a membership of nearly 600 when the flood of 1889 hastened the project. The new chapel, which serves as the present Sunday School building on the corner of Elmira and Edwin Streets, was dedicated in 1894, and the present sanctuary, on the corner of West Fourth and Elmira Street, was dedicated in 1914. These mountain stone structures have stood in spite of the floods of 1936 and 1946. Even the 1500 pipe Austin organ is still lifting our spirits in worship. The stained glass windows of the sanctuary are described in the special brochure published for our 150th anniversary.

Seven mission schools were established throughout Williamsport through the efforts of the First Baptist Church of Williamsport including the Washington St. Baptist Church (1886) and the Erie Avenue Baptist Church (1886). The First German Baptist Church which is now Calvary Baptist (1867), Memorial Baptist (previously known as the Second Baptist Church in 1869), Shiloh Baptist (1879), Central Baptist (1886) and East End Baptist (1897) are existing churches today.

Celebrations were held in honor of the 100th and 125th anniversary. By 1954 the church was surrounded by other buildings and was no longer considered rural. In fact, many of the homes first built in the neighborhood had been replaced by businesses. History records the upkeep to the building, updating of the constitution and activities of a dedicated Baptist family which grew right along with the city.

A look at the history, beginning with 1979 finds a smaller but faithful congregation still meeting in the mountain stone church on the corner of West Fourth and Elmira Streets. Two hundred and seventy five members, with one hundred and twenty five of them contributing, meant that a large percentage of the contributions were needed for heat and upkeep of the building. A dramatically changing neighborhood and a gradual drop in the population of Williamsport had contributed to the proportional decrease in membership. Fewer members lived near the church and many of the once well-to-do homes along Millionaires Row on West Fourth Street had fallen into disrepair. As the neighborhood went through a number of changes it made sense for us to cooperate with other churches to provide local ministry.

In 1974, The Rev. George A. Cosper, D.D., was called to be pastor. He had graduated from the former Eastern College, now Eastern University and received a Master’s degree in Divinity at Eastern Baptist Seminary. Dr. Cosper also graduated with a Master of Sacred Theology from Lutheran Theological Seminary, and received a Doctorate of Divinity from Eastern Seminary. Dr. Cosper came with his wife, Erma, and daughter, Carolyn (Cari), from Greenwood Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Cosper served lovingly and faithfully from 1974 until 1984, including an interim. Soon after his arrival in Williamsport, he was stricken with a severe, life threatening illness. Through prayer and care, he recovered, though his hearing was greatly diminished. Erma faithfully assisted by taking notes to help compensate for his hearing loss.

The celebration of our 125th Anniversary in 1979 was inspiring. Rev. & Mrs. Gage returned to participate in the ceremonies as well as Rev. William Childs, Dr. Chester Jump Jr., Daniel Kirby (Williamsport’s Mayor) and Dr. Alton M. Motter (Executive Director of United Churches of Lycoming County). A centennial pageant, written in 1954 by Miss Ida R. Heller, was performed at the church with scenes adapted by Mrs. Charles G. Wright. The scheduled anniversary events became an opportunity to freshen paint, install a new public address system in the sanctuary and renovate the youth rooms in the basement level.

Highlights of 1979 included bus trips to Philadelphia for a Philly-Pirates game and to Hershey for Ice Capades and Liberace performances. New fitted cranberry colored choir robes adorned by white surplus lasted many years. A dinner was held at the Antlers to celebrate anniversaries of couples in the church. Spot radio inspirational invitations were broadcast on WRAK and our worship service was broadcast one Sunday a month from 1958 until 1985 when costs became prohibitive. A second bazaar was so enjoyable and productive it became an annual event continuing today. Communion to shut-ins is still served by pastor and diaconate members on the afternoons of Communion Sundays, the first of each month. Vacation Bible School became an annual ecumenical event coordinated by the West Fourth Street Association of Churches. The American Baptist Men and Women both were very active, as was the Baptist Youth Fellowship.

First Baptist continued participation in the John Bower Memorial Sunday School Basketball League and had the longest running teams which continued until the 2001-2002 season. Through the years we have had Pee Wees, Midgets, Junior’s, and Senior’s Basketball teams led by Dave Wyland, Woody Crist, Jack Hall, Jack Sargeant, Bob Reese, Richard Smith, Jim Stepp and later, Glenn, Rick and Alan Wyland. Our two trophy cases in the assembly room are filled with trophies from our basketball, bowling and baseball teams throughout our history. In the last 25 years our Midgets and Juniors have won division and city basketball championships. Our bowling team won the city church league championship for the 1979 and 1982 season and high team series in 1987 and 1989 seasons. A Father and Son Sports Banquet was an annual event until 1983.

1979-80 was the “International Year of the Child.” Each child of the Sunday School and Church was honored by allocating them a Sunday, displaying their picture and highlighting them in the Sunday Bulletin. A keepsake with their information, an International Year of the Child postage stamp, and a coin with the Lord’s Prayer on one side and John 3:16 on the other were presented to each honoree.

Jimmy Carter was the President of the United States and in his State of the Union speech he appealed for help in building a "new foundation" for America. America was handicapped by double-digit inflation, a sluggish economy and gasoline shortages. We were plunged into a harrowing crisis with the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Iran.

Lois Yeagle, who had served for thirteen years as church secretary, was ordained in 1980 after completing her education. She left to devote more time to pastoral responsibilities at Cedar Run Baptist Church. Gwen Bernstine became our secretary. 1980 was the 200th anniversary of the Sunday School Movement, Mary Louise Taylor gave a detailed and very interesting description about the location and founding of our own First Baptist Sunday School. Records show that the Sunday School was established in the afternoon of a bright Spring day, on April 22, 1855, when a meeting was held at the call of the pastor of the First Baptist Church, Rev. J. G. Miles, in the second story of the school building on the southwest corner of Pine St. and an alley since known as West Jefferson St.

The work completed in the Central Hall Renovation Project during 1980 included the chair lift, carpeting of the stairs, and the furnishing of the pastor's study. Fans were installed in the ceiling of the sanctuary. Dr. & Mrs. George Cosper purchased their own home and we sold the parsonage at 831 Rural Avenue for $38,000.

Nationally Ronald Wilson Reagan served as the 40th president from 1981-1989. Reagan implemented policies that reversed trends toward greater government involvement in economic and social regulation.

In 1982 at First Baptist the Good Cheer report was initiated. Eleanor Ardrey, known affectionately as the "cheer leader," continues to call weekly to check on shut-ins and to others who may need a little encouragement. Our children and youth entered our first float in the Boom Festival Parade titled “The First Baptist Church--Exploding for the Lord”. This float was also entered in the Mummer’s Parade in South Williamsport and won first place in the religious section.

The Board of Christian education prepared a new Purpose Statement which reads: “The purpose of our Teaching Ministry is to educate everyone in the principles of Christ through the Bible and apply it effectively to daily living – to lead persons to accept Christ as Lord and Savior and to commit themselves to the Christian faith – to meet the needs and provide a place for Christian love and fellowship.”

Protective covering was placed on 19 of our stained glass windows. The kitchen on the second floor was renovated in 1982. Paneling was installed in the kindergarten room. Our heating system was rezoned.

Starting in 1983 and continuing through 2001 we offered what has come to be known as the "Lenten Series." The first year was a focus on marriage enrichment, including six films preceded by tureen dinners following church. In later years, each board has taken turns providing the food and cleanup. The Board of Christian Education chooses the all-church oriented programming. These have been enriching, sometimes emphasizing missions or spiritual gifts, and offer fellowship.

Mrs. Margie Hartman led the Children’s choir for many years and presented delightful musicals. Their 1983 musical “100% Change of Rain” was also used for the float “Noah” in the Boom Festival Parade which won 3rd place under the supervision of Suzann Bennett. A Chickering Baby Grand piano, donated to the church in the will of Hazel K. Morrison, was rebuilt and refinished. An outside ramp to the sanctuary was installed. The sanctuary doors were refinished and the steps repaired. The hardwood dining room floor was refinished and new windows installed in the pastor's study. Heaters and thermostats were added and in 1984 new carpet was laid in the Assembly Room, which continues to be used as a sanctuary between Christmas and Palm Sunday to save the expense of heating the sanctuary.

A time of transition occurred in 1983-84 as Dr. Cosper decided to retire. He was invited to stay as interim pastor during the search process. He and Erma had served the church with unselfish devotion and had given leadership within the community as well. Dr. Cosper was active in the Northumberland Baptist Association, the West Fourth Street Ministerium, the Exchange Club, and the YMCA Program. The Cosper’s enrolled in the Ministers-at-Large program following retirement, maintaining their home here in Williamsport, and served interims in Valley Stream, Long Island, NY, Bristol, VT, South New Berlin, NY and Picture Rocks, PA before returning to Williamsport and once again being active in our fellowship. Since moving to Rose View Court Dr. Cosper leads the Sunday morning Worship service at the nursing center.

In November of 1984, the Rev. Allen H. Goss came to be the pastor. He was a graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College and Andover Newton Theological School. Rev. Goss served as pastor in East Pembroke, New York before moving here with his wife, Myra and children Raymond, Melissa and Donna. To accommodate our new pastor and his family a parsonage was purchased for $55,000 from members Willard and Dixie Christian.

For many years Gordon Kohler has lovingly looked after our Church building. During the heating season he would come to the church at 4:00 AM on Sunday mornings to increase the temperature on the boiler so the church would be heated in time for services. In 1984 a time clock thermostat was installed. The church organ motor was replaced. Under the Dorothy Heller Fund the central Elmira Street hallway was remodeled and a new inside entry with a pair of glass doors was installed.

Under the wing of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries the Girls’ GUILD was reorganized in 1985 under the leadership of Myra Goss and Barbara Laubscher. Former chapters in our church were known as World Wide GUILD and Girls United in Love and Devotion. The national organization underwent a name and structure change in 1992 and it is now known as American Baptist GIRLS, Girls In Relationship, Love and Service. With the help of parents, the girls attended the regional houseparties from 1985 – 2000, earning money for registration and transportation through car washes, bake sales and rummage sales. In 1994 we hosted 210 girls and leaders for the ABCOPAD AB GIRLS houseparty. Becky Bennett served as Region AB GIRLS Convenior in 1992-94. We received accolades from ABCOPAD for several achievements in the “Grow By Caring” emphasis.

Our members adopted the Church Purpose statement:

The purpose of First Baptist Church is to share Christ’s love by caring for one another, encouraging spiritual growth and supporting community outreach.

A daytime and evening telephone prayer circle was initiated in 1985. We began recording our Church services and giving tapes to the shut-ins. Our float “Happy 131st Birthday First Baptist” won first place in the religious category in the Boom Festival Parade.

A clown ministry was started under the leadership of Mrs. Myra Goss. Rally Day had a special lift with balloons, a fruit and sticky bun breakfast, Sunday School promotions, teacher dedication and “The Joy-Full Family Clowns”. For years we have offered scholarships to help children attend camp and in 1985 nineteen scholarships were awarded. Our first colored pictorial directory of church members was published. The Central Building Renovation Project was completed this year with the remodeling of the library area. The Mahlon Fisher Library continues to be functional. Elmer Keller served faithfully as Librarian for forty one years until 1987.

Also continuing is our Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast with Shiloh Baptist Church. Annually we have a birthday party for Jesus, Children’s Day in June, an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween parties and a Church Picnic. Our history has not changed in one area--we still enjoy getting together for lunches and dinners. “Feed them and they will come.”

United Churches began the Shepherd of the Street ministry of in 1987. Rev. Goss served on the organizing board. The Shepherd is a pastor called to minister specifically to people whose spiritual and material needs are not being met by the churches. Most are low income and come to the store front office seeking places to find food, shelter, fuel and counseling. Local churches, denominational judicatories, and One Great Hour of Sharing money helped support the start of this ministry. United Churches food pantry and fuel bank are also ways churches in our county reach out to those in need.

A major decision marked the year 1988. Recognizing major repairs that needed to be done, and the changing of the neighborhood in which the church is located, a vote was taken on June 5, giving the options to repair the building, move to another location, or explore merger with another Baptist congregation. The decision was made to raise the money needed to repair the building and keep the ministry active in this downtown location. The trustees secured Kirby-Smith Associates to help conduct an every member visitation in June of 1989. A goal was set for the Heritage Fund Campaign, to raise $200,000, Sidney Smith served as chairman and Coleta Kohler served as secretary/treasurer.

Overwhelming support helped accomplish the following tasks over the next few years: repoint stonework, replace chapel chairs, repair the tower, update the electrical system, install a security alarm system, replace the West Edwin Street basement wall and steps, replace classroom and dining room windows, install pew cushions, purchase new chairs for the assembly room and repair the roof. Annual support was boosted with public dinners, the making and sale of molded chocolates and the annual bazaar. In 1989, three pairs of oak doors, including glass panels for visibility were installed leading from the hallways into the assembly room. To everyone’s amazement we collected $175,845 between July 1, 1989 and December 31, 1995.

George Herbert Walker Bush served as the 41st president of the United States from 1989 through 1992. In 1989 we saw the end of the Cold War between the United States and the Union of Socialist Republic (USSR) with the demolition of The Berlin Wall, a barrier between East and West Berlin. The Persian Gulf War conflict began in August of 1990 when Iraqi forces invaded and occupied Kuwait. The conflict culminated in fighting in January and February of 1991 between Iraq and an international coalition of forces led by the United States. By the end of the war, the coalition had driven the Iraqis from Kuwait.

Williamsport was experiencing the need to provide shelter for homeless people. United Churches initiated a Hospitality Network in 1990 in which several churches took turns providing dinner, overnight shelter, and breakfast for a week at a time for up to twelve women and children. Men were housed at the American Rescue Mission. Cots and blankets were moved from church to church on Sunday afternoons. This continued through 1992. The families went to another church during the day, and all found employment and housing within the time frame of their being in the program. Church families took turns providing meals and linens, and being hosts at night.

In 1991 Gwen Bernstine, our secretary, became the Executive Director of United Churches of Lycoming County following the ministry of Dr. Alton Motter. Pam Burkholder became the church secretary. We updated and printed our mission statement, constitution and by-laws. That year, new Sanctuary hymnals were purchased. Sing Joyfully, Tabernacle Publishing Company, 1989, retains our favorite hymns but includes some contemporary worship songs. Responsive readings are the New International Version. One of the highlights of the year was the privilege of designating Dr. George A. Cosper as our Pastor Emeritus. We honored him at a special Sunday worship service with Rev. William Housam, our area minister, delivering the morning message followed by a tureen dinner. Our public dinners earned the reputation for the best ham and turkey dinners in town in 1992. A new security system and a new telephone system were installed that year as well. The sound system in the sanctuary was replaced in 1993, equipped with radio wave earphones for those with hearing loss. The new choir robes arrived in time for the Christmas cantata. They are mauve with cranberry color attached stoles with gold embroidered crosses. Sidney A. Smith was named Deacon Emeritus, an honor for his dedicated service as Chairman Extraordinaire of the Board of Deacons. Sid continued as church bookkeeper serving almost 20 years. He was deeply involved in our church life both spiritually and financially.

Bill Clinton was elected 42nd president of the United States serving two terms from 1993 through 2000. Among all American presidents, he was one of the most forceful champions of civil rights for minorities and equality for women. He appointed record numbers of minorities and women as federal court judges, Cabinet members and other government officials. During the administration of William Jefferson Clinton, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic well being than at any time in its history. In 1994 the Mission Board invited members of the church to join them in visits to St. Anthony's Center, the American Rescue Workers, and the Shepherd of the Streets office, so we could learn about these local missions. We also provided the first of many lunches to help Habitat for Humanity workers.

Our second pictorial church directory was published in early 1995. The Board of Missions sponsored an "Around the World" luncheon as part of the Lenten series to heighten our awareness of foreign missions. We sampled foods from countries where American Baptists sponsor missionaries and viewed displays from the Board of International Ministries and then heard descriptions highlighting ways in which the Great Commission is being carried out currently.

Also, in 1995, we began supporting the annual ministry of Samaritan's Purse providing shoe boxes filled with small toys, toiletries and candies to be sent to children in war torn countries. This mission is titled Operation Christmas Child. In 1995 we contributed 81 boxes from individuals, families and groups within the church.

November 5-8, 1996, First Baptist once again hosted the Biennial Convention of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware. The other times being 1899, 1957 and 1966. It’s theme, “God’s Plan: A Hope and a Future” was based on Jeremiah 29:11. We provided breakfast on Friday and Saturday and a place for Thursday, Friday and Saturday daytime sessions and awareness groups. Thursday evening’s session was held in the Genetti Hotel Ballroom and the Friday evening banquet, speaker and concert were at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Dr. Clayton Woodbury was installed as Executive Minister of ABCOPAD during this convention. Some of the outstanding speakers included Rev. Dr. Keith Russell, Dr. Barbara Gela Eldred, musician Ken Medema and missionary Becky Trask. Our church has been the site of several other Region events in recent years, bringing together the four northeastern associations. The Rev. William Housam was installed as Area Minister, the American Baptist Women's Ministries held a "Ready, Set, Grow" seminar, and The Rev. Dr. Robert Roberts of ABCUSA presented a stewardship and tithing seminar. All were well attended and the guests appreciated our hospitality. Church Women United and the ABW Ministries, ABMen, AB GIRLS and the Northumberland Association have held meetings here, as has the Northeastern Convention of Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs.

Flooding struck the area surrounding Williamsport in 1994 and again in January of 1996. The January 1996 flood was the worst flood in the Susquehanna basin since Agnes in 1972. The church building was spared, thanks to the erection of a dike. However, seven of our families suffered devastating losses. The churches and community worked together to provide relief.

God opened a door for a new ministry in 1997 when our church was chosen to be the first site of the Church Leadership Institute. Students come from Northeastern Pennsylvania for intensive Bible study and courses that could lead, if desired, to lay pastoral certification. Students in the Certification Program from our church included Gwen Bernstine, Eleanor Derr, Robert Gohrs and Myra Goss. Pastor Allen Goss was site coordinator. Classes met on Saturday mornings, with the exceptions of December and summers. Teachers presented seminary level material. A two year cycle of courses includes a mentoring program for students enrolled in the lay pastoral program.

During 1997 Junior Church had been active as well, presenting a spring program “Scenes of Passion” and a Christmas pageant, “The Christmas Story.” Sixty three years after construction a new roof was installed over the Sanctuary for $22,000. This was the first of three steps to replace our large roof which was completed in 2001. A new picture directory, our third, was completed in 1998. Two oak handrails were built and installed leading to the chancel area in the sanctuary.

Our history would not be complete unless we mentioned our Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup which we make to sell at the annual Bazaar. Today we still use the delicious recipe provided by Blanche Shaffer. There is excellent fellowship when we meet, cut, cook and then package this delicious soup. Another signature of our Bazaar is our Sticky Buns with the special “smear” topping provided by our chef, C. Barrie Edmonds.

In May 1999 we hosted the Graduation for the Church Leadership Institute class, 379 people attended a reception hosted by our Social Committee following the event. During the worship service on December 19, 1999 we had the Certification and Commissioning for our members, Myra Goss and Gwen Bernstine. Longevity has been a blessing to many of our members. Lola Spangle turned 100 on December 22, 1999.

As we entered the new millennium the congregation celebrates 145 years of service to God and our community. Although we are a smaller, older congregation there are great people who love the Lord and have been faithful to his kingdom. We continue our annual events, celebrations and mission involvement. Our Diaconate members annually assemble and distribute Thanksgiving baskets to church and community members. Lunches were served to the West Fourth St. Association’s “Little Children for Jesus” community outreach program. Our “Hanging of the Greens,” (held since 1985) provides a great fellowship time where we work together to decorate the Church for Christmas. Annually we enjoy our Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service.

George W. Bush, 43rd President, took office in 2001 after one of the closest and most disputed elections in U.S. history and launched a war against terrorism after a devastating terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. He remains in office today. We also had a change in leadership when Rev. Goss resigned effective October 28, 2001 to accept a call to ministry at the First Baptist Church of Melrose, Massachusetts.

God was definitely working in our church as he led Rev. Larry K. Waltz to our congregation. He and his wife, Rebecca, had been attending services after returning home to Williamsport upon his retirement from the Philadelphia Baptist Association. Rev. Waltz served as Executive Minister from 1984-2000 and was Associate Executive Minister from 1971-1984. Ordained by the Northumberland Baptist Association of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware in 1966, Rev. Waltz received his BA from Eastern College and his MDiv from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1978 he also received his MA from Princeton Theological Seminary. He accepted the position of Interim Pastor along with our own Minister Gwen Bernstine to work together as our pastoral team.

Gwen is a graduate of Lycoming College with a BA in Anthropology and Sociology with certification in Elementary Education. On August 20, 1978 Gwen married Robert Bernstine and they continue to reside in Williamsport. She graduated from the Church Leadership Institute, earned certification and she received her commission in December 1999. It was our privilege to ordain Gwen in October of 2003. She remains Executive Director of United Churches. From 1999-2003 Gwen served as Coordinator of Church and Community Ministries for American Baptist Women of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Rev. Waltz & Rev. Bernstine have agreed to continue their leadership through our 150th anniversary.

In January of 2002, 65 people attended the “Living Room” conversations held at six locations as a way for Rev. Waltz to get to know the members. Our pastoral team has worked together to meet the needs of the congregation. They have taught us the 11th commandment “Thou shalt be flexible or you’ll get bent out of shape” and the 12th commandment “Thou shalt have fun or life is not worth living.” Although we retain our traditional worship service we have learned to be “flexible” inviting new ideas and changes. We enjoy our congregational walk before the start of our formal worship and we have learned a new parting song which we sing together weekly. Church attendees are encouraged to share announcements at the start of the Worship service. We now have a personalized pastoral prayer from the sanctuary floor. To keep the young people involved we have established a practice of candle lighting prior to our formal worship. Food cupboard items are collected each communion Sunday. Our children’s choir was been active at Easter and Christmas. We have established an annual Family and Friends day.

Women have been very involved in our congregation ever since our beginning when 11 of the 16 founding members were women. The last threshold was crossed when women permanently joined the ushers in 2002.

In the second quarter of 2002 we renamed the Sunday School the “Christian Growth Hour.” The Christian Growth Hour and our Worship Service hours have been adjusted to 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM respectively. We enjoy fellowship time from 9:00 – 9:15 AM. During the Christian Growth Hour we have classes for all ages. Several times a year we have intergenerational learning circles which have been well attended. This is a great time of sharing and we have been enriched by the variety of topics discussed including special series such as “Discovering our Spiritual Gifts.”

Music has always been a vital part of First Baptist. Our chancel choir truly offers “a joyful noise unto the Lord”. In addition to Sunday morning anthems most years the Chancel Choir has presented a Christmas Cantata or meaningful musical program, followed by a lovely tea or luncheon provided by the social committee. During the summer we enjoy the talents of our members and others with special music during the worship service. We have hosted several musical groups over the years including the Covenant Players, Re-Creation, the Chapel Choir, the Lycoming College Choir, the West Virginians of Alderson-Broaddus College, the Chapelairs Quartet, The Fairplay Brass and the Eastern College Choir. It is always a treat when we hear the Shiloh Baptist Choir and the Shiloh Baptist Men’s Choir.

The Pastor’s Study was completely renovated in 2002 and the Church office was renovated in 2003. A concrete bench was added on the corner of West Fourth and Elmira Streets between the two narthex entrances. A new updated church brochure was printed. Representatives of the various boards are selected to make up the social committee. This group also is occasionally called upon to serve wedding receptions, funeral luncheons and hospitality meals for visiting groups. Their efforts on our behalf are greatly appreciated.

Our American Baptist Women (ABW) have been active these last 25 years. The Reifsneider circle continues today. The purpose of this society is to unite all the women of our church into fellowship that will help each one to grow in personal devotion to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and in commitment to the mission of His church through worshipping, working, and witnessing in all areas of life: the home, the community, the nation, and the world. Meetings are held in member’s homes and at the church. The evening includes Bible Study and fellowship. Yearly highlights involve mission projects including White Cross, the Mother and Daughter Banquet, and attending the annual American Baptist Women’s Conference of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Love Gift is collected which is an over and above, non-budgeted offering which is sent to Valley Forge through the Church Benevolent Fund.

Many projects around the church were handled by the American Baptist Men over the years until they disbanded in the early 1990’s. They also planned our annual Church Picnic which had been held in Shaffer’s Grove, picnic area of member J. Harold and Blanche Shaffer, in the 1980’s. Members attended the annual American Baptist Men’s Retreat. Over the years some would often join the men from Calvary and Central Baptist churches for breakfast. In 2002 the American Baptist Men were reorganized and again enjoy breakfast meetings. They sponsored an American Baptist Men’s breakfast for the Northumberland Baptist Association at the Holiday Inn.

The annual Church picnic was held for many years in Memorial Park until 2002 when it was moved to James Short Park in Loyalsock Township. It has been well attended with good food and fellowship.

Another very active group has been our Baptist Youth Fellowship. Our youth has enjoyed getting together for Bible study, pizza parties, bowling, skating, biking and visiting shut-ins. They have also enjoyed many Lock-In’s both in our church and with the Northern County Youth Ministry. Retreats were an annual event and were held at Camp Ladore, Muncy Terraces, Camp Conley, Mt. Zion, and at the Creation Festival. The sleepy little area of The Agape Farm, half way between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, comes to life in June and swells to over 80,000 people for the Creation music festival. The Creation Festival is the nation’s largest Christian music, teaching and camping festival with people attending from around the world. Members of our church continue to volunteer in many service organizations in the community such as: Meals on Wheels, Shepherd of the Street office, Church Women United, Literacy Volunteers, Nursing Home and Hospital Volunteers, Pregnancy Care Center, Wise Options, Parent Teacher Organization, Williamsport Music Club, Masons, Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, Lions Club, Boy Scouting and the John Bower Basketball League.

Missions have always been important to our congregation. Some of the missions supported by our church include: United Mission Basics, America for Christ , World Fellowship Offering, One Great Hour of Sharing, Ministers and Missionaries Thank You Offering, Love Gift, Bacone College, Saint Anthony’s Center, Salvation Army, Pregnancy Care Center, Dr. Marian O. Boehr, Yokefellow Prison Ministry, American Rescue Mission, The Divinity School, formerly Colgate Rochester, Bexley Hall, Crozier Baptist Medical Center of New York, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Eastern College, Philadelphia Baptist Orphanage, PA Council of Alcoholic Problems, Alderson-Broaddus College, Habitat for Humanity, Shepherd of the Streets, PA Council of Churches, United Churches Food Pantry, United Churches Fuel Bank, Rev. and Mrs. Charles Chapman, Rev. and Mrs. Robert Blacker, Rev. Emerson Tootsie, Rankin Christian Center, Alive in Mission, Release God's Power, Baptist World Alliance, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Ann Wright, Church World Service for blankets, and the Heifer Project. We also participate in the Crop Walk and in the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.

We have been blessed to have several missionaries visit our church through the years. Dr. Marion Boehr, a physician who served in Nellore, South India came three times. Rev and Mrs. Ben Dickerson of Thailand came twice. Also, Rev. and Mrs. Charles Chapman, of Haiti, 1993, Miss Edith McCarty from Thailand came in 1994, Mrs. Bernice Rogers of Haiti, came in 1994. John and Lisa Wiersma, who were on their way to West Africa as Bible Translators, came in 1995. Becky Trask of Hong Kong, who also spoke for the Biennial, was a timely speaker for us, as 1996 was the year Hong Kong was making preparations to be returned to Chinese rule.

We have proudly sent several of our members to the American Baptist Assembly in Green Lake, Wisconsin. The Green Lake Conference Center is a beautiful year-round Christian conference center whose central purpose is to contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom through training and a retreat center. Experiences of training, worship, fellowship and recreation, have refreshed, renewed and transformed people for their journey of life and service. This experience is truly indescribable and everyone who has attended has been deeply moved.

A dozen or so of our members venture out to attend Association conferences and conventions. We have also brought the speakers, leaders and music to the congregation. All have reaped the benefit, and the visitors have enjoyed the hospitality of our church and city. Through working with other churches we are seeking to be a witness to the community and to our wider Christian family. Our church continues to be adorned with beautiful flowers through the efforts of the Flower Committee. Our volunteers then deliver these flower arrangements to shut-ins or those hospitalized. A rose is given to each newborn. Additional Christmas Poinsettias and Easter Lilies for shut-ins are purchased through the Sweeley Memorial Fund.

Project to project God has seen us through. In 2003, in spite of a tight financial condition, we have increased our mission contribution, renovated the church office, replaced most of the sidewalk on the Elmira Street side, bought a new copier, replaced a valve in the boiler and completed many other small repairs. God reminds us we are His people, we continue to add new members to help carry out his work. In 2002-2003 we have added 26 new members.

To echo the thoughts of Rev. Oliver C. Horsman at the 1914 dedication of the sanctuary it is impossible to name all who have worked and contributed to the building of the church, spiritually and financially, “they deserve grateful mention and we do not doubt that their recognition by the Master of the house is sure and hearty.” Romans 12:4-8 teaches: Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion of his faith. If it is serving, let him serve, if it is teaching, let him teach, if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Just as the original 16, each one of us and our individual gifts are important to the life of the First Baptist Church of Williamsport. As we look at our heritage during this 150th Anniversary we remember the past and appreciate all that has been accomplished over the years. We rejoice in the present that we are still here in service to God and we look forward to our future with a sense of anticipation for all the plans and surprises God has in store for us.