Gouverneur (Old) Baptist Church Records History
Gouverneur, NY. St. Lawrence County
History of The (Old) Baptist Church
The Baptist Church was the first church to be organized in Gouverneur. The first services were held at the home of Isaac Austin in 1806. The interest in the services at Mr. Austin's home led to the formation of The Baptist Church in the Town. In 1811, a council came from the Home Church in Hartford, New York to organize the church. Jonathan Payne was the first Pastor of the church. The first baptismal was that of Sally Hasskin on June 7, 1812. The first church was erected in 1822 on land donated by Gouverneur Morris. The present day church stands on the same ground. In 1822 a number of members were granted dismissal to start a church in Fowler. In 1834 a church was organized in Richville and in 1843 one was organized in North Gouverneur. In 1850, it was decided to build a new church. It was built and dedicated on Nov. 7, 1850. This building was partially destroyed by fire on March 26, 1894. Rebuilding was soon begun and the cornerstone was laid on June 5, 1894. Services were held in the new Sunday School on the anniversary of the fire and the church was dedicated on Nov. 7, 1895, just 45 years after the dedication of the building that burned. On Saturday, Jan. 17, 1976, the church was hit by another fire. Damage was very extensive. All that was left was 3 marble walls, the bell and the bell tower. Due to the generous donations and the hard work of the members and many volunteers from the area, the first Sunday service was held in the newly rebuilt church on Nov. 21, 1976, just 10 months after the devastating fire. The new church was dedicated in Nov. 1978. About 1981, The Baptist Church of Gouverneur was disbanded. The building is now the home of The Christian Life Fellowship. The present Pastor is Pastor Bob La Veck who so kindly made what records remain available for our use. A big Thank You to Pastor Bob.
