The Central Baptist Church of Clinton Corners

THE CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLINTON CORNERS

During the September 1970 Pilgrimage of the Dutchess County Historical Society a visit was made to the Central Baptist Church of Clinton Corners which is situated on Route 82, north of Washington Hollow. A charter member of the Church, Mr. Harry Braddock, spoke briefly to the members of the Society, outlining the Church history. He read a portion of an article written by Rosa L. Willis which had been published in a booklet at the time of the Pleasant Valley Post Office celebration in 1963 and which is reprinted herein. Mr. Braddock, who serves as Trustee and Treasurer of the Central Baptist Church, stated that the Church building was purchased for $500.00 and moved to its present location. At that time the basement was renovated and made into a kitchen and dining room. Later, many other repairs and improvements were made to the building; electricity installed, a furnace, a new well dug, modern pews. A 30 foot addition provided a nursery room, a meeting room and new rest rooms. A new roof, painting, storm windows and a black-top driveway have also been accomplished to put the Church in an attractive condition.

Following is the history of the Central Baptist Church written by Rosa L. Willis.

"In 1915, several families moved from the Southland and settled around Clinton Corners, Salt Point and Washington Hollow. There being no Colored Church in this District, the people were not satisfied to live here without a church. They, being church-going people, put forth every effort to get a church started.

A few of them got together and consulted officials of the Friends Church at Clinton Corners. They gave them permission to hold services in their church on Sunday afternoons. With the assistance of Rev. A. W. Farmer of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., they formed a Mission under the name of New Hope Baptist Mission and services were held at the Friends Church for a while. During this time the present church building was standing idle, filled with farm implements and hay. So the members of the Mission decided that they would see Mr. E. C. Sweeney, owner of the church building, about holding services in the building. They were given permission to do so. In the Spring of 1916, the Mission moved into the present building, with a very small membership, but the people had a mind to work. Sunday School was held every Sunday morning, Prayer and Preaching Services were held in the afternoon. During the year of 1916, the Mission held its first Revival. The Rev. W. E. Jones of Harrisburg, Pa., conducted this revival: Fifteen souls were converted, Baptized and joined the Mission. From then on, Revivals were held and the Mission increased in membership large enough to be organized into a church.

In May 1919, with the assistance of Rev. E. W. Ellis of Poughkeepsie, the Mission called Council from the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie. On this Council were: Rev. F. B. Brown, Pastor of Ebenezer; Deacons: Norman Williams, William Toles, William Green, Otha Twyrna,n,

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Rev. A. W. Farmer. Under this Council the New Hope Baptist Mission was organized into a full-fledged Baptist Church, taking the name Central Baptist Church. In 1919, the church called its first Pastor, Rev. F. W. Wiggins of Beacon, N. Y. In 1920, under the leadership of Rev. Wiggins, the church was recognized by the Rev. Duers of Ossining, N. Y. The church joined the State Convention October 1920 at Buffalo. Rev. Wiggins and C. C. Hancock were delegates to the convention. In February 1921 the church was incorporated.

The Central Baptist Church has been organized 51 years. During this period the church has called four pastors. Rev. F. H. Wiggins was called in 1919, served 21 years. Under his leadership, the present site was purchased. Rev. Charles E. Byrd was called in 1939, and served eight years. The church accomplished much good under his leadership. Rev. Robert L. Douglas was called in 1947, and served ten years. On December 31, 1957, Rev. Robert Dixon was called to the church, after serving two months as supply pastor, and is showing great progress in his field." "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, we have already come. It was grace that led us safe thus far, and grace will lead us on."

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