Our Church History

First Baptist Church of Spring Valley was established on June 1, 1902, when Rev. Morable, along with Deacons Arthur Gailes and Thomas Blount, purchased 56 Church Street for $50.00. The early members sacrificed and labored faithfully, worshiping under the leadership of several ministers, including Rev. Morable, Rev. McDonald, Rev. John Ware, Rev. John Henderson, Rev. Williams, Rev. R.L. Harrison, Rev. Riley, and Rev. Stevenson.

In 1941, Rev. E.L. Harrison became pastor, leading a small but devoted congregation of 22 members. He reestablished the Deacon Board and, in 1952, appointed Mrs. L. Davis as Mother of the Church, following the legacy of Mother Sallie Brown. As the church family grew, the need for a larger worship space became evident. A building fund was established, and through prayer and sacrifice, members raised the necessary funds. In 1955, Trustee Robert Woods and Deacon C.N. James purchased property at Hoyt and Johnson Street for $6,300.00. With unwavering dedication, the congregation worked to build a new church, holding a groundbreaking ceremony on May 4, 1963, and pouring the foundation in September 1963.

On June 14, 1964, a significant moment in the church’s history took place. On a bright Sunday morning, Mother Davis, seated on a mule-drawn cart, led the congregation in a joyous march to their new house of worship, where the first service was held. By this time, the church membership had grown to 250 members. Under Rev. Harrison’s leadership, the church flourished with the licensing of three ministers, including Rev. C.N. James, who was ordained as Assistant Pastor. Additionally, eight Deacons were ordained, and ministries such as the Deaconess Board, Harrison Gospel Chorus, Adult Choir, E.L. Harrison Scholarship Fund, Trustee Board, and Usher Board were established. Notably, the first NAACP meeting in Rockland County was hosted at First Baptist Church.

Though Rev. Harrison dreamed of burning the mortgage, God called him from labor to reward on December 9, 1971. His dream was fulfilled in October 1972, when the congregation celebrated the church becoming debt-free. Following his passing, Deacon Sidney Allen and church officials kept the congregation united until April 1972, when Rev. Weldon McWilliams, Jr. was appointed as pastor. Under his leadership, First Baptist Church has experienced remarkable spiritual and physical growth.

Pastor McWilliams, a visionary leader, appointed Rev. Annie Artis as his assistant in 1973 and named Sister Hattie Edwards as Mother of the Church. Over the years, he has led the establishment and reorganization of various ministries, including the Usher Board, Male Chorus, Women’s Auxiliary, Nurses Unit, Baptist Training Union, Vacation Bible School, Nursery, and Community Youth Council. The church also became the host church for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commemoration Service. Additionally, under Pastor McWilliams’ guidance, First Baptist Church played a key role in forming the Ministers Alliance, fostering interdenominational cooperation, and initiated an interfaith dialogue with Rabbi Fass and the congregation of Temple Beth Shalom.

With the continued growth of the congregation, church facilities have been expanded and improved. The choir stand was remodeled, a baptismal pool was installed, and additional rooms were added downstairs. A garage and two vans were acquired to help transport senior citizens and Sunday School children to services. A handicap-accessible ramp was installed, and the parking lot was expanded. Enhancements such as a steeple, new carpeting, cushioned pews, and stained-glass windows further beautified the sanctuary. In 1987, Pastor McWilliams envisioned a Christian Education and Cultural Enrichment Center to enhance the religious education of church families and the broader community. A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 29, 1987, and the Center was later completed with 12 new rooms used for meetings, Sunday School classes, and a tutoring program. The mortgage for this facility was burned ahead of schedule on July 12, 1999.

Pastor McWilliams also implemented financial initiatives such as The Faith Partners, Christian Warriors, and 300 Gideons, in which dedicated members pledged monthly contributions to pay off church debts ahead of schedule. In October 1988, Sisters Susie Bussey and Ruby Allen were appointed Mothers of the Church. That same year, Rev. Artis introduced the Friday Noon Day Prayer Service, which remains a cherished tradition. The Thursday Night Bible Study also continues to be an essential part of the church’s spiritual growth.

In January 1993, a New Members Class Curriculum was introduced, offering instruction on Baptist Doctrine, Articles of Faith, the Church Covenant, and the responsibilities of church membership. Baptism and Communion are observed every first Sunday following the morning service. The 100th Anniversary of the church was celebrated with a Time Capsule dedication on November 17, 2002. The capsule, containing church memorabilia, is set to be opened on April 17, 2053, by 25 youth members chosen at the time of its sealing.

Further expansion efforts continued in the following years. In 2007, Sis. Martha Gordon was appointed Mother of the Church. In 2008, First Baptist Church launched its official website, increasing outreach and communication. The church purchased additional properties in 2009 and 2010, expanding its footprint. By 2011, a new parking lot was completed, increasing capacity to 200 vehicles.

Today, First Baptist Church of Spring Valley continues to be richly blessed, thriving under the guidance of Pastor McWilliams and a dedicated ministerial staff of six, seven deacons, four walking deacons, and five trustees. We are grateful for our legacy of faith, service, and community outreach, and we look forward to even greater growth in the Lord’s service. 

To God be the glory for all He has done and continues to do!