Our History

The First Baptist Church of Belle Vernon was established on April 22, 1843. Joshua Newbold was chosen as the first pastor. The church meetings were held in different places until a building was built on Wood Street near Flint Alley. The dedication of the new building took place on September 8, 1848. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Pastor Newbold.

As the congregation grew and began to outgrow the building, it was decided to build a new and larger building. Property at the corner of Short and Speer Streets was purchased from Mr. Speers. The new building was erected in 1871-72 and dedicated on April 21, 1872 - the day before the church's 29th anniversary. Dr. James Calder of Harrisburg preached the dedicatory sermon from Romans 8:17 - "Heirs of God, and Joint Heirs with Christ."

In the fall of 1876, the spire of the church building was blown down by a severe storm. On July 19, 1894, sparks from a large fire burning on upper Main Street set fire to a blacksmith shop. Soon, a large fire was started which spread and burned several buildings to the ground, including the church  building. Before the ruins were finished smoldering, plans were being made for a new building which was dedicated on November 25, 1900, without one dollar of debt. Dr. J.W. Parsons of Cleveland, OH, preached the dedication. The pastor at the time was John T. Clow.

In 1909, under the leadership of Pastor William S. Dudley, the congregation built a parsonage next door to the church building. Each succeeding pastor of the church has lived in that  parsonage, including the current pastor, Earl J. Rosenbalm.

Today, the First Baptist Church of Belle Vernon is still occupying that same site. The church building and the parsonage have been remodeled and updated as needed. The church is debt free, and the Lord is blessing in many ways.