The West Baptist Church has a rich heritage that parallels the early history of the City of Oswego.
On March 13, 1828 the First Baptist Church was organized on the east side of the Oswego River in the Village of East Oswego. Their church, the first to be erected on the east side of the river, served the needs of the Baptists on both sides of the river until 1852.
The West Baptist Church was formally organized on May 3, 1852 by forty-two members of the First Baptist Church. Church services were held in the courtroom of Old City Hall and in several other locations until 1867. The construction of the West Baptist Church building at West Third and Mohawk Streets began in 1866. The new church building, dedicated on April 18, 1867, has served the members ever since.
The Two churches served the religious and social needs of Oswego Baptists until 1967. During that year the members of the First Baptist Church voted to disband their church. On Sunday, October 1, 1967, the West Baptist congregation extended a generous welcome to the members of the First Baptist Church who desired to unite with their church.
Since its beginning, the West Baptist Church has been served by faithful pastors, generous benefactors, and a congregation willing to serve Christ. The church has played a major part in the religious and social life of the community, and with God’s help we will continue to contribute to the well-being of our neighborhood, the city of Oswego, and the wider world.
The full history of West Baptist Church, Oswego, NY is available for download as a PDF