A Brief History of First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church began as a result of the prayer meetings held in the old sheriff's home behind the Ocean County Court House. The official organization of the church occurred January 24, 1867. For some time the church met in the home of Charles H. Wardell before moving to the Cowperthwaite Building at the corner of Washington and Main Streets.
The growing congregation dedicated their first building September 21, 1871. It was located on the west side of Main Street just north of Lien Street. The church continued ministry in the building for more than 20 years.
On March 6, 1895 a new building at the corner of Main and Broad Streets was dedicated. It would remain as the center of worship for First Baptist Church until 1967 when the current building was built.
Russell W. Thompson became pastor of the church in November, 1944, and remained as pastor until November 1989. During his tenure the church grew in attendance, offerings, and most importantly, its ministries. Many people came to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, making necessary the new building in 1967.
Upon Pastor Thompson's retirement in 1989, the church called Pastor Leland Dittman as pastor. He accepted a call to a church shortly thereafter in 1991. John D. Strain became pastor on March 1, 1992, and continues to serve the First Family along with Pastor Ruben Cabrera.
First Baptist Church on the corner of Broad and Main Street.
House which used to stand where present church building is now.
FBC under construction in 1967.
