March 11, 1839: A council met at the home of Mrs. Mary S. James, the widow of a deceased minister, who lived on Railroad Avenue, between Grove and Newark Street and recognized the Church as The First Baptist Church of Jersey City (NJ) and Harsimus. The Church worshipped in private houses until a building on Barrow Street between Newark and Railroad Avenues was erected. The Church grew from thirteen charter members to over 273 members with-in the first nine years of its history. These nine years were filled with much contention. Over half of the membership were foreign born with controversial ideas from the other half. A large portion of the membership was abolitionist while others were not sympathetic with them. The Church put on record believing everything which has a tendency to cause contention and schism in the Church of God ought to be avoided.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:38:08 +0000