Our History
In early 1843, Mr. Samuel Tunison became convinced by his study of the Bible that he should be baptized by immersion. There being no baptist church in Somerset County at this time, he arranged with Reverend Mr. Barker, of the Samptown Baptist Church to be baptized in the Raritan River by the covered bridge. This was the first believer’s baptism by total immersion in the Somerville vicinity.
In October 1843, the First Baptist Church was organized by Pethuel Mason, Mr. Tunison, and nine other like-minded Christians, and was officially sanctioned by representatives of several other baptist churches in the state. The congregation grew for three years and became known for their quarterly musical concerts sponsored by the Sunday school. Baptisms continued to be performed in the Raritan River or the Raritan Canal until 1856 when a baptismal pool was built under the platform in the meetinghouse. During the Civil War, the U.S. flag was flown from a pole atop the steeple and another from the pastor’s house.
We Have relationships with the following groups:
The Fountain of Living Water
The Fountain of Living Water is a Pentecostal congregation and joined FBC in 2015.
Mission: To praise and glorify God through our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ who loves us and gave His life for us.
Objectives: to encourage and promote world evangelism; to approve and conduct all biblical teachings and to disapprove all anti-biblical teachings, and conduct methods to promote a basis for fellowship among all Christians.
One Church
In September 2020, One Church joined our congregation. Vision: To be ONE in Christ by embracing the irresistible grace of Jesus
Mission: To create a community of believers dedicated to living in unity by loving and serving others and getting proximate to our local community.
Christmas Care Program
Church Forms
Oliver and Dorothy Memorial Scholarship Fund
Funded by former members Oliver and Dorothy Compton. The scholarship is given every year to all high school seniors, vocational and technical students, and continuing college students that are in need of educational assistance. The application period opens every year on June 1st and closes the last Friday in July.
Facility Rental Form
Interested in renting out our facility? Please click the button to be redirected to the Rental Request Form and the detailed policy. Both can be printed or downloaded. Please email, fax, or mail the last 2 pages back to First Baptist Church.
Our Ministers (1844 - Present)
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