In July, 1812, the present two acre site of Pearl Street Baptist Church was purchased by the trustees from Daniel Elmer for the sum of 155 dollars. A committee was formed to build a meeting house after the mother church at Roadstown, New Jersey. The building was begun, but due to high prices of materials, it was not completed until December 16, 1816, at which time it was dedicated. The church was named the Second Cohansey Church at Bridgeton, New Jersey and was incorporated in 1828.
In 1853, there was a movement among the people for a church "downtown". This new building became the First Baptist Church and the meeting house on Pearl Street was left vacant for some time.
During the period of the Civil War and President Lincoln's assassination, political unrest and suspicion caused 66 members to leave the First Baptist Church. On July 17, 1866, they formed Pearl Street Baptist Church.
At that time the church area was a quiet, rural neighborhood. However, as the years passed and more industry came to Bridgeton, population and housing increased. Pearl Street became a main thoroughfare and its real estate was prime. During the 1970's and 1980's, many large companies left Bridgeton, leaving the area around Pearl Street Baptist Church a diverse, urban community of impoverished, mostly unchurched people as it is today.
The church has also had a few setbacks. In 1878, a gale wind blew down the steeple and bell, causing some damage to the church front. In December, 1892, the interior of the sanctuary was almost completely ruined by fire. In March, 1992, a malfunction of the heater caused soot and smoke damage to the entire interior of the church. But, through it all, our congregation and leadership remained faithful.
Today our church is more alive than ever! We continue to be a beacon to an ever-changing neighborhood. We have periodic "prayer walks," during which we pray with, and for our neighbors and invite them to our services. Yearly, our congregation celebrates a Friend Day. This special day gives friends, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors an introduction to our friendly congregation making them welcome to join with us if they have no church home. Many children in the community come to our Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and enjoy the Fun Fairs in the church yard.
One of our main strengths is our support of missions, at home and across the sea.
Not only do we offer monetary and prayer support, many in our congregation have served actively on the mission field working side by side with our missionaries, at home and abroad.
March 11, 2001, at the request of the N. J. American Baptist Churches, the Bridgeton Hispanic Mission (Mision Bautista de Bridgeton) began meeting for worship within the church facilities. It was an answer to prayer with the increase of Hispanic speaking families living in our neighborhood. Pastor Rueban Ruiz and his congregation continue this outreach, representing Pearl Street Baptist to the Hispanic community.
The Lord has blessed us over the years with many good 'shepherds'. Our young membership is growing and is very active. Our older members are faithful in their service to God. We praise the Lord for their faith, encouragement, and example. This is truly a family of God. To God be all the glory!
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