History of First Baptist Church

At the beginning of the 19th Century there were very few Baptists in New England and these had very little money.

They began their prayer meetings very quietly at first.  Seldom did they have ministers.  In 1804, Captain Edward Russell attended one of these meetings with his wife and her friend.  He became so interested that he felt something should be done to provide a suitable place for them to worship, and at their own expense, he and Mr. Michael Webb started erecting a small building,    At this same time, Captain James Odell offered them a lot on Federal Street, which became the House of The First Baptist Church.  The church was first occupied in June 01 1804.

In 2004, Salem First Baptist Church celebrated its 200th anniversary.  In 2007, we relocated to our present home at 292 Lafayette Street.  Our missionary stained glass portrays the sailing of the Brig “Caravan” from Salem Harbor, on February 19, 2912, with the first American Missionaries.

Adoniram Judson, who sailed to India, studied the scriptures enroute and came to the conclusion that baptism was for those who came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and that baptism was by immersion. After reaching his destination, he applied to the Baptist of American for support.  Then, the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society was formed in 1814.

Through the ministry of Adoniram Judson, who translated the Bible into the Burmese language, thousands of Burmese came to know the Lord as their Savior.

Judson served in Burma until his death in 1850.   He leaves us a legacy to continue to go into the world and preach the gospel and make disciples of men and women.