NC church celebrates 200th anniversary, emphasizing freedom of religion
With roots that date to a period of religious intolerance in Colonial North Carolina, worshippers at New Bern's First Baptist Church gave thanks Sunday for religious freedom, beginning a year-long 200th anniversary celebration.
Since the church was founded in the home of Elijah Clark at Middle and Craven streets in May 1809, its influence has gone beyond the boundaries of the city, with pastors who were instrumental in the formation of the state Baptist organization and its education and mission programs.
"Two of our first pastors, Thomas Meredith and Samuel Wait, started Wake Forest University and Meredith College," said First Baptist Senior Pastor Dr. Steven Fitzgerald. "We have a very rich history."
After meeting at the Elijah Clark House, the church had its first building in 1811, a wooden structure at the corner of Johnson and Metcalf streets, where St. Cyprians Episcopal Church now stands.
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Since the church was founded in the home of Elijah Clark at Middle and Craven streets in May 1809, its influence has gone beyond the boundaries of the city, with pastors who were instrumental in the formation of the state Baptist organization and its education and mission programs.
"Two of our first pastors, Thomas Meredith and Samuel Wait, started Wake Forest University and Meredith College," said First Baptist Senior Pastor Dr. Steven Fitzgerald. "We have a very rich history."
After meeting at the Elijah Clark House, the church had its first building in 1811, a wooden structure at the corner of Johnson and Metcalf streets, where St. Cyprians Episcopal Church now stands.