IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH - HISTORY
Immanuel Baptist Church began its existence as a church on June 26, 1947 when a group of believers met together and called Rev. Samuel Johnston to become their pastor. On July 14 of that same year, the new church of Fifty Four Charter Members adopted the name "Immanuel Baptist". Some of the first services of the church were held in the Pawtucket- Y.M.C.A. Later on the Clan Fisher Hall in Pawtucket was secured for the Regular Lord's Day Meeting place of the church. Inspite of the disadvantages of not having a building of their own, the church under God, experienced a definite growth in numbers and interest in the word.
In September of 1948 a building fund was started and people began to look forward to the day when they might build or buy a church home to be dedicated to the worship and service of the Lord.
In June 1950 Pastor Johnston resigned and in October of the same year the church called Pastor Lloyd P. Wilt to be their pastor. Late in December of 1950 the building committee of the church was informed of a church property at 50 Lupine St. that was being disposed of. Arrangements were made for the members of the church to inspect the property on January 1, 1951. On January 8, 1951, the church voted at a congregational meeting to authorize the building committee to negotiate for this church property owned by the Full Gospel Tabernacle of Pawtucket. By February 20, 1951, deeds were signed which transferred the property to Immanuel Baptist Church.
Resurrection Sunday - March 25, 1951 marked the first Lord's Day service in the new building. In 1955 Pastor Wilt resigned as pastor.
In January 1956 Pastor Mountfort was called as pastor. In June of 1961 Pastor Mountfort resigned as pastor.
In December 1962 Pastor Richard Horner was called as pastor. Due to steady growth in Sunday School and church - an obvious need for more space arose. God wonderfully provided the present church building and parsonage in the year 1967. After extensive renovation of the church sanctuary, the building was dedicated to the glory of God on June 18, 1967. In August 1967 Pastor Horner resigned as pastor.
In May 1969 Pastor F. Ray Hamilton was called as pastor. During the past three years God has showered forth his blessings on Immanuel. The Sunday School has grown from approximately 35 members to a high of 110. The worship services have also increased approximately three fold. In June 1974 Pastor Hamilton resigned as pastor.
In August 1976 the church called Pastor Glen Myers, Jr as pastor. In March 1990 Pastor Myers resigned as pastor.
In June 1991 the church called Pastor Frederick A. Bryden as pastor. In June 1997 the church celebrated it's 50th anniversary with Pastor Roger Wells and Pastor F. Ray Hamilton as guest speakers.
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