FBC Mansfield Celebrates
165 Year Anniversary
Complete Photo Album Of This Event
Surrounded by family, friends and special guests, the congregation of First Baptist Church Mansfield, celebrated their 165th Anniversary over the weekend of June 20 – 22.
The three day Anniversary Celebration began Friday, June 20th with a Service of Remembrance in Prospect Cemetery where many of the founders are buried. Saturday, June 21st was the Anniversary Banquet featuring Special Guests: ABC/USA General Secretary The Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, ABCOPAD Executive Minister Rev. Frank Frischkorn and Northeast Area Minister Richard McIntyre with his wife, Linda. The Celebration Weekend ended with the Anniversary Worship service featuring The Rev. Richard McIntyre bringing the morning message to the congregation. The service also included music provided by the First Baptist Church Chancel Choir under the direction of Minister of Music Marian H. Miller.
Making the observation on the 50th Anniversary of the church, Hugh Sherwood, a descendent of the founders is quoted as saying, “Who can measure the amount of good done by a Christian church in fifty years?” One hundred and fifteen years later the same can still be said of the ministry of First Baptist.
On April 10, 1840, twelve people met at the Sherwood home to organize the Baptist Church in Mansfield, a branch of the East Sullivan Church. At their request, 10 members were dismissed from the East Sullivan Church on that date. Rev. Abijiah Sherwood, and his wife Maria came from the Delmar Church to help found the church with his father and brother. Also included as founders at that meeting were: Daniel Sherwood and his wife Anna; E.P. Clark and wife Fanny; Oliver Elliot; Thomas Jerald; Martha Utter; and Lorena Ripley.
The first church building was erected and the entire cost was $1,112.00. The present brick church building was built in 1889 at a total cost of approximately $8,000.00.
Many pastors have preached powerful sermons from the pulpit of First Baptist but the longest pastorates belong to The Reverend David J. Griffiths (1921-1961) and The Reverend Benjamin E. Nevin, Jr. (1970 – 1994). In 2006, The Reverend Steven C. Case was called to serve as our new pastor becoming number thirty-three in our rich history of ministry.
“We invite and welcome all people to join us in following and growing in Christ, fulfilling our shared ministry and mission, locally and worldwide, for the worship and praise of God.”
American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware
106 Revere Lane, Coatesville, PA 19320