Overview of Norwich's Historic Baptist Churches
1891-Present: Central Baptist Church
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In the late 1790s, it was considered an enormous crime merely to listen to a sermon by the so-called “Separatists” because their views were seen as subversive. Besides believing baptism was only for those old enough to choose the Christian faith consciously, Baptists insisted on the separation of church and state.
Baptist churches appeared in Groton, Connecticut, as early as 1705 and in Waterford in 1710. They were founded by preachers from Roger Williams’ religiously tolerant Rhode Island. But it wasn’t until 1790 that the first Baptist meetings were held on Norwich’s West Side.
The origin of the first Baptist Church in Norwich is described in the following document written by the church itself:
“In the year 1800, it pleased the Lord to collect and unite from a broken and scattered condition a few brethren and sisters to the number of about 20, who were constituted into a church in fellowship with the Groton Union Conference. On the 25th Dec., following our beloved Elder (John Sterry), was ordained and took the pastoral charge of the Church.”
You can learn more of the pre-1800 Baptist church development in Norwich by clicking the link below.
1800-1880: Baptist Church ~ High Street
Elijah Herrick, a prominent blacksmith and former member of the First Congregational Chuch in Norwichtown, gathered a few like-minded men and women band began meeting for prayer, singing and exhortation. By February 1800, the congregataion was viable enough to stand on its own the the First Baptist Church was born.
Location of Baptist Church on High St.
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The frame of a house of worship was raised by the society in 1801, and the building was completed enough to hold services before the end of the year; however, it remained unfinished for a long time.
This church drew most of its members from residents on the West Side, which is known today as Mount Pleasant. Bromley, Gavitt, Herrick, Willett, and Willett are several names identified with West Chelsea and with the early Baptist Church.
In 1811, Eleazar Hatch left a bequest of approximately six thousand dollars in his will, which was designated for the support of the Baptist ministry on Mount Pleasant. Mr Hatch was not a Baptist; however, his surviving widow was a member.
The first leader of the church, Elder John Sterry died November 5, 1823, in the twenty-third year of his ministry. His successor as pastor of the church was Elder William Palmer, who commenced his labors on April 1, 1824, and continued in charge about ten years.
The 1833 map, shown on the left, indicates the location of the Baptist Church on High Street, situated on top of today’s Mount Pleasant. The building, shown on the map, across the street from the church, is a school.
First Baptist Church on High Street
By the early 1830s, the congregation had outgrown the meeting house. It was removed in 1832, and a new house of worship was erected on the same spot, 49 High St., which was dedicated in July 1833.
After Elder Palmer departed, his pastoral duties were performed by a series of men, none of them exceeding two years of service. These frequent changes and other unfavorable circumstances, which worked against the church’s prosperity, led to the establishment of a new Baptist enterprise, ultimately resulting in the present-day Central Baptist Church.
By 1840, the Baptist congregation on High Street was on the verge of extinction. The meeting house was closed and subsequently sold to settle a debt of $1,500 ($56,000 in 2025 $) that had accrued.
Although the High Street Baptist congregation struggled in 1840, it ultimately survived. In 1841, Elder Palmer, the former pastor, resumed his pastoral duties, and the Baptists rented their former meeting house for religious services. He resigned in 1845, but continued to reside in Norwich until his death on December 25, 1853.
Mr. Palmer’s successor in the pulpit was Miner H. Rising. The church members at this time were but few in number, as the Bromley family and others who had united with the new church did not return. However, things changed for the better in 1845 and 1846, thanks to the influence of a revival that commenced with a protracted meeting conducted by Reverend J.S. Swan. Significant additions were made to the church, and the total membership reported 276.
The Baptists regained possession of the church edifice at this time, and Mr. Rising rededicated the house of worship. However, the pastor’s personal health soon failed, and he was laid aside from ministerial duty.
In 1880, the Baptist Church building on High Street was sold to the group named the “First Colored Baptist Church.” They paid off the building’s mortgage for $1,000 ($32,000 in 2025 dollars) and an additional $1,000 to the sellers. The building was renamed Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
The congregation built its new edifice on West Main Street in 1880 and named it the First Baptist Church.
Acknowledgements
“History of Norwich, Connecticut: From Its Possession From the Indians, to the Year 1866,” (pgs 352, 538), by Frances Manwaring Caulkins
“A General History of the Baptist Denomination in America, and Other Parts of the World,” (1813), by David Benedict
“First Baptist Church History,” p 214, (2005), by Bill Stanley
“Diverse, historic, spiritual: Norwich centers of worship reflect changing city,” (12/23/2007), by John-Manual Andriote
The complete list of sources may be found by clicking the “Bibliography” button, and, then typing “High Street Baptist” in the SEARCH box.
1840-1891: Central Baptist Church ~ Norwich
Original Central Baptist Church
On Union Street (today’s Broadway)
On April 1, 1840, the Baptist Church on High Street was led by Reverend Miner G. Clarke. He ministered to the group until the following August, when it was believed that the many difficulties under which the Baptist interest labored might be greatly alleviated if they relocated their house of worship to a more central location.
However, there were many objections to the proposition, and the idea was abandoned. But it was subsequently decided to commence a new interest in a more desirable location.
Accordingly, on the evening of September 15, 1840, thirty-seven persons residing in Norwich, but not connected with the Baptist Church on High Street, met at the house of Avery Bromley, on Union Street (today’s Broadway) and organized a Second Church, to be called the Central Baptist Church of Norwich. Articles of faith and a church covenant were adopted, and Reverend Miner G. Clarke was chosen as their pastor.
The Central Baptist Church was duly recognized, and in the evening, public services were held at Norwich Town Hall, where Elder Tubal Wakefield preached a sermon, and the hand of fellowship was extended to the new church through its pastor, Elder B. Cook.
The town hall was engaged as a place of worship, and so much did the congregation increase that the place was soon nearly filled. At about this time, the Baptist Church on High Street, being without a pastor, had many of its members take letters and unite with the Central Church. Thus, the membership of Central Baptist increased even more.
Location of Original Central Baptist Church
Dedicated December 14, 1841
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In late 1840, it became evident that the comfort and prosperity of the church depended much on its having a house to worship in. But after the severe struggles through which they had passed, few in numbers and feeble in means, it wasn’t easy to see how such a new church building could be funded. However, after prayer and consultation, trusting in God, it was decided to proceed and make the attempt.
After prayer, consultation, and trusting in God, it was decided to proceed and make the attempt. A centrally located lot on Union Street (today’s Broadway) was acquired, and in the following spring, construction of a house commenced, which was dedicated on December 14, 1841. Elder R. H. Neale of Boston preached the sermon.
The cost of the church edifice was approximately $11,000 ($410,000 in 2025 $). In 1863, the church edifice was enlarged and beautified at an expense of about $7,000 ($183,000 in 2025 $).
Among the pastors of the original Central Baptist Church were: Reverends Miner G. Clarke, Edward T. Hiscox, Joseph A. Goodhue, Frederick Denison, Samuel Graves, and John Davies.
Today’s Central Baptist Church on Union Square was built in 1891 for $68,300 ($2.4 million in 2025 $). The Bushnell Chapel was added in 1899, and was replaced in 1978.
Today’s Sunday school, known originally as the “Gilbert Property,” was purchased in 1925 and subsequently joined to the church by an office wing.
Central Baptist Church ~ 2 Union Square
Constructed 1891
“History of New London County, Connecticut: With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men,” (1882), page 299, by Duane Hamilton Hurd
The complete list of sources can be found by clicking the “Bibliography” button and then typing “Central Baptist” in the SEARCH box.
1880-Present: First Baptist Church ~ 239 West Main Street
First Baptist Church ~ c1907
239 West Main Street
In early 1879, Mr. Clarence C. Frost was called to become the pastor of the Baptist Church on High Street. From a sense of duty, he sacrificed his paid salary for a “mere livelihood.” The acceptance of his call cost him what only a few could appreciate. On June 11, 1879, he was ordained as pastor.
By August of 1879, it was clear to Rev. Frost that the “cause of God and humanity’ demanded a change of location. on August 29, 1879, it was resolved by the church that:
“Whereas, it seems to be the prevailing opinion that our present house of worship is badly located, being off the main thorofare, and that this feeling has long prevailed to a certain extent; therefore,
“Resolved, That in the judgment of the Church here assembled, the time has arrived for steps to be taken to change the location to one more suitable on Main Street.”
First Baptist Church Stained Glass Window
The Baptist Church on High Street sold its house of worship in 1880 and began making plans for a new, larger, more accessible building located at 239 West Main Street. The current home of First Baptist was first opened for religious services on January 29, 1882, and on February 13, 1884, Reverend Fenner B. Dickinson dedicated the new edifice. On that day, he preached a sermon that discussed the 84-year history of the Baptist Church in Norwich.
There were many changes in both the ministry and the meeting house over the years. In the 1910s, the Rev. George Strouse brought a strong evangelical preaching style. During the Depression, the Rev. Percy Kimster provided a vision of community. In the late 1940s, the Rev. Walter Loomis, who focused on the family, was a regular guest on the WICH radio station. Under the pastorate of the Rev. Walter Schoepfer, Sunday school grew, and the ministry reached a peak. The Revs. Vernon Price and Douglas Howell ministered to the community as the world went through radical change, transforming the West Side from a residential area into a commercial district.
The independent Baptist Spirit lives on over on the West Side of Norwich, from musical ministries to sports outreach programs. In 2005, the Reverend Cal Lord completed 20 years of ministry to the church. He said, “The people of the First Baptist Church are sharing the love of God to a world in desperate need and working with others, in interfaith and ecumenical partnerships, to build a stronger and healthier community.”
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Acknowledgements
“History of New London County, Connecticut: With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men,” (1882), page 299, by Duane Hamilton Hurd
“Diverse, historic, spiritual: Norwich centers of worship reflect changing city,” (12/23/2007), by John-Manual Andriote
“Eighty-four Years of Baptist History: A Sermon Preached at the Dedication of the First Baptist Church, Norwich, Conn., February 13, 1884,” by Rev. Fenner B. Dickinson
“First Baptist Church History,” p 214, (2005), by Reverend Cal Lord
The complete list of sources can be found by clicking the “Bibliography” button and then typing “Baptist West Main” in the SEARCH box.
1845-1911: Greeneville Baptist Church
In December 1844, A.A. Robinson, then a Licentiate from the church in Lebanon, came among the people of the Baptist faith in this community, many of whom were members of the Central Baptist Church, Norwich, who after prayerful consideration, in April 1845, presented a letter to the Central Baptist Church that the Baptist community in Greeneville needed a “regular Baptist church that there may be sustained more efficiently the worship and ordinances of God’s house.”
Soon afterward, the Greeneville Baptist Church was formed from members of Norwich’s Central Baptist Church. (Refer Info Source 2)
The church, with 100 members, was organized in 1845, and a house of worship was erected the following year. The first pastor, Reverend D.B. Cheney, was succeeded in April 1847 by Reverend Lawson Muzzy.
In February 1854, during the pastorate of Reverend Niles Whiting, the church was consumed by fire. An edifice of brick replaced it for $5,000 ($193,000 in 2025 $). The new church was dedicated on December 21, 1854, with a sermon by Reverend J.B. Swan.
Mr. Whiting, the pastor, to whose perseverance and energy the success of the enterprise was largely indebted, did not live to see the new church completed. He died on October 13, 1854.
The membership of the Greeneville Baptist Church never rose much above or fell far below its original number of 100.
A chapel was attached to the rear of the church building in 1885. Reverend E.S. Holloway dedicated the Baptist Church Chapel on December 30, 1885.
The 1854 brick church building still stands today at 256 Central Avenue. However, it is no longer a place of worship.
The 1911 the Greeneville Methodist Church and the Greeneville Baptist Church merged and became the “Federated Methodist and Baptist Church.” The 1914 Sanborn Insurance map shows the location of the federated church, and the 1912 Price & Lee Norwich City Directory identifies the building.
Acknowledgements
“Historical Discourse Delivered by Rev. E.S. Holloway,” 12/30/1885, at the dedication of the 1885 Baptist Church Chapel
“History of New London County, Connecticut: With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (1882),” p 295, by Duane Hamilton Hurd
“History of Norwich, Connecticut: From Its Possession From the Indians, to the Year 1866,” pgs 529, 601, by Frances Manwaring Caulkins
1937-Present: Union Baptist Church ~ Mount Pleasant Street
Union Baptist Church ~ 2025
125 Mount Pleasant Street
The group named the “First Colored Baptist Church” dates back to 1871. They initially offered Sunday school meetings, but expanded in 1880 when they purchased the Baptist Church building at 49 High Street. They paid off the building’s mortgage for $1,000 ($32,000 in 2025 dollars) and an additional $1,000 to the sellers. The building was renamed Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
In 1900, several members of the church split off from the Mount Calvary Baptist Church and formed Grace Memorial Baptist Church at 125 Mount Pleasant Street.
In 1937, the Grace Memorial Baptist Church & Mount Calvary Baptist Church reunited to become the Union Baptist Church. Since 1937, they have used the 125 Mount Pleasant Street building as their house of worship.
One former Mount Calvary member observed, “Mount Calvary was known all over the state as one of the most beautiful and largest of churches, and Grace Memorial was known for its sincerity.”
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At the beginning of the twentieth century, there was an ongoing feud between the two churches. On March 22, 1906, the Norwich Bulletin printed an article discussing how the Mount Calvary Reverend J. Francis Robinson defended himself.
The feud continued until at least 1916. The January 20, 1916, Norwich Bulletin article, shown on the left, documents one of the incidents that arose from the dispute. Reverend John H. Dennis of the Calvary Baptist Church was barred from entering his church and conducting a worship service. He called and received help from the Norwich police.
Today, the Union Baptist Church proudly serves the community as a sanctuary for developing faith and spirituality in a safe, comfortable environment.
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“Historical Discourse Delivered by Rev. E.S. Holloway,” 12/30/1885, at the dedication of the 1885 Baptist Church Chapel
“Got Into Church Through A Window,” 01/20/1916, Norwich Bulletin
Photo of Union Baptist Church by Bob Dees