Detailed Information about our church

PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE OF MINISTRY
First Baptist Church
Freeport, Maine
The Philosophy and Practice of Ministry at First Baptist Church of Freeport is: 1) based on tradition and
contemporary church practices; 2) influenced by American Baptist practices, the current Pastor, the
Deacons, and the congregation; and, 3) flexible.
1. THEOLOGY
 We are first of all Christians—followers of Jesus Christ. We are influenced mostly by the
evangelical Christian tradition in America and are Baptistic in our theology and practice.
 Our doctrinal foundation is the Statement of Faith in Article II of the church constitution.
 We also recognize that the Church is comprised of all believers so we have a warm and
welcoming relationship with believers from other Christian traditions.
 We acknowledge the diversity of Christian belief on secondary matters and respect them.
2. CORPORATE GATHERED WORSHIP
a. MUSIC
 We believe that God has ordained the singing of “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”
(Colossians 3:16) and we use a variety of instruments in our worship.
 We use musicians who are part of the church and accept them as the ones God has gifted for local
worship. Instrumental accompanists and vocal leaders are used to help the congregation sing and
worship; they are not performers. The congregation provides the primary voices in worship.
 We choose music that is playable by the musicians and singable by the congregation.
 We sing both traditional and contemporary music that fits our cultural context, and is likely to be
pleasing to God, the congregation, visitors, and the people we are trying to reach with the gospel.
 Lyrics need to have theological integrity, and are often chosen to fit with the primary Scripture of
the day or the holiday.
 Sometimes we use recorded music for accompaniment or worship.
 Music is often supplemented with historical, biographical and contextual information.
b. PREACHING
 We believe that the reading, preaching, and hearing of the Word of God are primary means of
grace that God has appointed for the calling and maturation of disciples. These are therefore
primary components of weekly worship. It is not our custom to replace weekly preaching of the
Word of God with other matters.
 We value expository preaching (consecutive consideration of entire books of the Bible) as an
effective method of communicating the Word of God for the instruction and nourishment of its
hearers.
c. ORDER OF WORSHIP
 We believe worship structures pre-determined by others do not add and may detract from the
focus of worship. Therefore we do not follow the church calendar, use a lectionary to select
Sunday texts, or prefer vestments and liturgical colors as accessories to worship.
 We have an order of worship which includes a time for mutual greeting of members and guests,
introduction of visitors by members of the congregation, and often a response time after the
sermon for questions and clarifications.
 Time permitting, services incorporate Words of Witness, Mission Moments, Children’s Sermon
or other evangelistic communication.
 Special days and seasons receive some recognition in worship (Thanksgiving Sunday, Christmas
Eve, Christmas Sunday, Easter). Other days which may include some notice in worship are:
New Year’s Sunday, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. We cooperate with other
churches in a Community Thanksgiving Service and Easter Sunrise Service. We have also
cooperated in Community Good Friday services, and in recent years we have conducted our own
Holy Thursday service.
d. ORDINANCES
 We believe Baptism and Communion (the Lord’s Supper) are the two ordinances that God has
ordained for the Christian Church.
 Baptism by immersion, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial and
resurrection, is to be administered to believers upon a credible profession of their faith.
 Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month to all believers who are not under the
discipline of the church.
3. EVANGELISM/DISCIPLESHIP/MISSION
 We believe that telling the Good News and doing good deeds are the responsibility of all
believers.
 We believe that parents are responsible for evangelizing and discipling their children.
 We believe that high school and college campus evangelism are important ministries during years
when young people are finding their way in life and making significant life choices.
 We support the worldwide mission of the church and seek to educate members regarding the
opportunities and needs.
4. STEWARDSHIP
 We contribute cheerfully and generously to the support of the ministry, the maintenance of the
meetinghouse, the work of missions and evangelism, and the relief of the poor.
 We do not customarily hold fundraising events.
 We divide undesignated mission giving according to priorities established by the church. The
congregation is also encouraged to designate gifts for specific missions and missionaries.
4. FAMILY MINISTRY
 We believe that young people are greatly influenced by the faith and example of their parents.
 We believe that Sunday School and weekly worship are valuable ministries to and for children,
youth, and adults. Family attendance at weekly worship demonstrates to children that parents
consider this a priority. Sunday school supports what parents teach in the home. Parents are
expected to discuss and apply matters of faith in the presence of their children. A strong parental
example of faith is an important factor in a child's enduring commitment to Christ.
5. PASTOR/ORGANIZATION/MEMBERSHIP
 We believe in a “learned ministry”—pastors gifted, educated and called for service to Christ’s
church. We also recognize the value of being self-educated so that formal credentials are not
always the final criteria for call to ministry.
 We value those gifted by Christ as teachers in the wider church—professors, scholars, and
authors.
6. ASSOCIATION
 We are historically connected with the American Baptist Churches of Maine (including the
Bowdoinham Association) and the American Baptist Churches/USA. In recent years, few besides
the Pastor have taken much interest in the work of the American Baptist Churches.
 We are members of the National Association of Evangelicals, but have minimal participation in
the affairs of the association.
JUNE, 2014
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this church shall be the First Baptist Church Society, Incorporated of Freeport,
Maine.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
1. To lead people to a personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour and allegiance to Him as
Lord.
2. To teach Christian living and development of Christian character.
3. To spread the Gospel of Christ throughout the world.
4. This church, with other Baptist churches, accepts the Bible as the foundation of its doctrinal
belief and its all-sufficient guide in matters of faith and practice.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible authoritative word of God.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His
miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection,
in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is
absolutely essential.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is
enabled to live a godly life.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the
resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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COVENANT
Since God created us and redeemed us in the Lord Jesus Christ, we gladly give ourselves to
God and each other in this solemn covenant. With the assistance of the Holy Spirit and divine
grace, wisdom, strength and knowledge, we will:
• Love and worship the one living and true God, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together;
• Live holy and righteous lives in the fear of God, submitting to one another out of reverence
for Christ;
• Do good works of love, obeying all that Jesus commanded,
• Maintain the unity of the Spirit, working together for the peace and purity of the church;
• Contribute cheerfully and generously to the support of the ministry, the maintenance of the
meetinghouse, the work of missions and evangelism, and the relief of the poor;
• Repent of our sins promptly and completely, as we also willingly forgive others;
• Persevere in the faith and hope of the gospel so that when we have done the will of God, we
will receive what he has promised.
To God be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. A person may become a member of this church in any one of the following ways:
a) By baptism, upon a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
b) By presenting a letter from a church of like faith and order.
c) By experience. By experience is meant any believer already baptized by immersion who
does not bring a letter, or any believer who is willing but physically unable to enter the waters
of baptism.
Section 2. All candidates for church membership upon acceptance of Statement of Faith, must
be approved by the Deacons.
This committee, after investigation, shall report its
recommendation to the church for action. In no case shall the church act on the reception of
members until a report has been presented from the Deacons. It is expected that all members of
this church shall be good witnesses for Jesus Christ by lip and by life, at work, at home and
elsewhere, living up to the full expectation and requirements of the Holy Scriptures.
Section 3. A member may, upon application, be dismissed by letter to unite with some other
Baptist church designated in the application. A member desiring to unite with other than a
Baptist church, shall be entitled to a letter of introduction. Such letters shall be given only to
the churches in question and not to the individual seeking dismission. All church letters shall
be sent by the Clerk of the church to the pastor or clerk of the church designated in the
application.
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Section 4. All cases of discipline shall first be considered by the Deacons, and their
recommendation presented to the church for action. A person excluded from membership may
be restored to the fellowship of the church upon the recommendation of the Deacons and by
vote of the church.
Section 5. A member may withdraw membership upon request in writing to the Deacons. All
applications for dismissal shall first be considered by the Deacons and their recommendations
presented to the church for action.
Section 6. Members who do not affirm the beliefs or live by the covenant and membership
requirements of this church may be removed from membership upon the following conditions:
upon recommendation of the Deacons, a call to repentance will be sent by the Clerk to the
member (if an address is available); if there is no response or obvious repentance, the member
may be removed by vote of the church upon the recommendation of the Deacons.
Section 7. Inactive members may be removed from membership by the following process.
Upon recommendation of the Deacons, a letter of inquiry shall be sent by the Clerk to the
member (if an address is available) so that reasons for the inactivity and the member’s interest
in membership can be determined. Members who, because of illness or other acceptable reason
(e.g., students, military personnel, missionaries), cannot actively participate in the life of the
church are to be excused from that provision of the church Covenant. Members who do not
have an acceptable reason for their inactivity and who are not willing to become active, or who
have moved out of the area, may be removed from membership by vote of the church upon
recommendation of the Deacons.
ARTICLE IV
PASTOR AND PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Section 1. The Pastor. a. The Pastor shall preach the Word of God at church services and
administer the ordinances. The Pastor shall be ex-officio a member of all boards, committees
and organizations; shall have access to all books and records of the church, and shall perform
the various other duties incumbent upon the office. The Pastor shall become a member of this
church and shall evidence sympathetic cooperation with the American Baptist Churches of
Maine of which this church is a part. b. The Pastor shall serve for an indefinite period. The
pastoral relationship may be terminated by: the Pastor or the church, giving at least three
months’ notice; or, the Pastor and the church by mutual consent at a time earlier than three
months; or, the church at any time for just cause. c. The Pastor’s salary shall be paid by mutual
agreement between the Pastor and the Finance Committee, but at least monthly. The Pastor
shall have an annual vacation, the time and length of which shall be determined by the Deacons.
d. Whenever the Board of Deacons deems it necessary, the Pastor shall retire from any meeting
unless excepted by a majority vote of the members present and entitled to vote at a legal
business meeting. e. Upon the occasion of the death, removal, or resignation of the Pastor, the
church, as soon as practicable, shall call to the pastorate a minister of good report. The call
requires a ¾ vote of the members present and entitled to vote at a legal business meeting. A
Pastor who accepts the call shall be considered elected. f. A majority of members present and
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entitled to vote at a legal business meeting shall be necessary for the appointment of an Interim
Pastor.
Section 2. Pastoral Search Committee. a. For the selection of a Pastor the church shall establish
a Pastoral Search Committee consisting of at least seven members as follows: two Deacons,
one Deaconess, one Trustee, one member of the Finance Committee, and two members of the
congregation. A nonmember without voting privileges may be elected to resource the
Committee. b. The Committee shall make inquiry concerning potential candidates for the
position of Pastor. When the Committee is satisfied it has identified a preferred candidate it
may invite the individual to visit and preach at any regular services of the church. The
Committee shall also arrange for suitable pulpit supplies or present a candidate for appointment
as Interim Pastor until a Pastor is elected. c. The Committee may spend monies for search
activities in accordance with a budget authorized by the congregation.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. The Officers of the Church Society shall be: President, Vice President, Deacons,
Trustees, Deaconesses, Clerk, General Treasurer, Missions Treasurer, Financial Secretary,
Sunday School Superintendent and Auditor.
Section 2. The President: The President shall be a member whose character and conduct is
above reproach as described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The President shall be the legal head of the
Church Society Incorporated. He shall preside over all legally called business meetings of the
church. He shall be a member of the Board of Trustees and shall be chairman of the same.
Section 3. Vice President: The Vice President shall be a member whose character and conduct
is above reproach as described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The Vice President shall perform the
duties of the President in his absence. He shall be a member of the Board of Trustees. In the
absence of the President and Vice President, the Clerk shall call the meeting to order and the
church shall proceed to elect a President pro tempore.
Section 4. Deacons: There shall be a Board of Deacons consisting of no more then eight (8)
members, elected for one (1) to four (4) year terms. The Deacons shall be men whose character
and conduct is above reproach as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. It shall be the duty of the
Deacons to visit the sick and needy, and to assist the Pastor in his pastoral work. They shall
prepare and distribute the elements of the Lord’s Supper, and shall have general supervision of
the spiritual work of the church. They shall determine for what purpose the church property
shall be used. They shall interview all candidates for church membership and perform other
duties as outlined in Article III of this Constitution. They are authorized to hire and supervise
part-time office and ministry personnel. They shall work with the Pastor coordinating the
worship services of the church, providing and supervising musicians, educating the
congregation in worship, and promoting prayer and the worship of God. Contributions to the
Deacons Fund for the Poor shall be the sole responsibility of the Deacons to distribute as they
see need. In their annual report, they shall give amount received and balance. Junior Deacons
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may be elected for a term of one year; they shall meet all the qualifications of Deacons and
assist the Deacons in their work.
Section 5. Board of Trustees: There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of seven (7)
members: two (2) of whom shall be the President and Vice President of the Church Society.
Not more than five (5) members can be replaced in any one year. The Trustees shall have
charge of the church property, to keep it insured and in repair. They shall not sell, convey,
grant, or mortgage any church property of more than $100 value without the consent of the
church. In the care of the church property, they shall not expend more than that amount
allocated in the annual church budget in a given year without the consent of the church. The
Trustees shall engage the janitor and supervise his work. They shall meet at such time and
place as they shall choose. Four (4) shall constitute a quorum. In all matters pertaining to their
office, they shall be subject to the will of the church.
Section 6. Deaconesses: There shall be a Board of Deaconesses consisting of no more than six
(6) members, elected for one (1) to four (4) year terms. Their duties shall be to visit the sick
and needy and to aid the Pastor in the spiritual work of the church.
Section 7. Clerk: It shall be the duty of the Clerk to keep a faithful record of all church
business meetings, and a complete and accurate list of members. The Clerk shall write and sign
all church letters and notify all persons of their appointment to offices and committees. The
Clerk shall prepare and present to the church at the Annual Meeting the statistical report and
letter to be forwarded to the annual meeting of the Association, and attend to such other duties
as pertain to this office. The Clerk shall be a member ex-officio of the Trustees.
Section 8. General Treasurer: The General Treasurer shall be custodian of all the church funds
except those contributed to Missions and the Deacons Fund. These funds shall be deposited in
some bank in the name of the First Baptist Church Society of Freeport, Maine. The Treasurer
shall pay all bills approved by the Finance Committee. The Treasurer shall render reports as
required, and at the Annual Meeting shall give a full and detailed account of all money received
and disbursed. An Assistant General Treasurer may be elected to assist the General Treasurer
in the duties of that office.
Section 9. Missions Treasurer: The Missions Treasurer shall distribute all money contributed
for missions at least monthly to the office of the American Baptist Churches of Maine and other
designated mission agencies, unless otherwise instructed by the church. The Missions
Treasurer shall, as requested, report to the church the state of this fund, and at the Annual
Meeting give a full and detailed account of all money received and disbursed.
Section 10. Financial Secretary: There shall be a Financial Secretary and one or more Assistant
Financial Secretaries. The Financial Secretaries shall gather all money contributed at the
regular and special services of the church, and keep an accurate account of the same. These
funds shall be deposited in some bank in the name of the First Baptist Church Society of
Freeport, Maine. The Missions and Deacons Funds shall have accounts separate from other
church funds. They shall keep a complete list of the envelope contributors with the amount
contributed. Loose offerings shall be kept in separate lists. The Financial Secretaries shall each
week report to the various treasurers the amount of money collected, and at the Annual Meeting
give a full report of all money received.
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Section 11. Sunday School Superintendent: The Sunday School Superintendent shall have
general supervision of the various departments of the Sunday School. There may be an
Assistant Superintendent directly responsible to the Superintendent.
Section 12. Auditor: The Auditor’s duty shall be to audit all accounts of the church treasurers,
and to submit a report in writing to the Annual Meeting, or at any other time at the request of
the church.
ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES
Section1. Finance Committee: There shall be a Finance Committee of six (6) members,
consisting of the General Treasurer, the President of the church, a Deacon, a Financial
Secretary, and two (2) elected members. In addition, a member of the Youth Group, Junior
High or High School Sunday School Class may be elected to this committee, but shall not vote
on legal matters unless eighteen (18) years of age or older. This committee shall have charge of
the financial affairs of the church, and shall arrange for the raising of its current and missionary
budgets. They shall prepare a budget to be presented at the Annual Meeting. This committee
shall meet monthly to review the financial condition of the church. All bills not otherwise
provided for shall be approved by a majority of this committee before payment is made. They
shall make quarterly reports of the financial condition to the church in the Sunday bulletin.
The Finance Committee shall maintain a separate Pastoral Housing Trust Fund, the
initial capital being the net proceeds from the sale of the Parsonage at 198 Main Street in
October, 2002. The principal and any interest earned by said fund shall be used solely for
pastoral housing or reinvestment in said fund as the Finance Committee sees fit. No capital or
interest from this fund may be used for other purposes unless so voted by a ¾-majority of the
church members present and voting at a meeting legally called for that purpose. The
Committee shall make an annual report on the fund to the church at its annual meeting.
Section 2. Nominating Committee: There shall be a Nominating Committee consisting of five
(5) members. This committee shall prepare a list of officers and committees to be submitted to
the church at its Annual Meeting. In the event of a vacancy between annual meetings, this
committee shall recommend to the church the name of a person or persons to fill such
vacancies.
Section 3. Ministry Coordinators: The following Ministry Coordinators may be elected
according to need: Nursery Coordinator, Librarian, Senior High Youth Coordinator, Jr. High
Youth Coordinator, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Seniors’ Coordinator, Men’s Ministry
Coordinator, Women’s Ministry Coordinator, Prison Ministry Coordinator, Worship
Coordinator, Sound System Operator, and Bell Ringer. They will be given responsibility and
freedom to develop their ministries in consultation with the Pastor and the Deacons, and may
recruit volunteers to work with them. Coordinators of other ministries may be elected if
needed.
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Section 4. Ushers: There shall be an Usher Committee consisting of eight (8) members; one
head usher and seven (7) members. The ushers shall be responsible for welcoming and seating
worshippers at all services of the church. In addition to this, they shall see that the church is
ready for worship. Additional ushers may be elected if necessary.
Section 5. Social Committee: The Social Committee, consisting of seven (7) members, shall be
responsible for the fellowship events of the church and shall provide refreshments or meals
when requested.
Section 6. Special Committee: Special committees may be appointed or elected by the church
as the interest and work of the church may require.
Section 7. The following offices, boards and committees must be filled by members of the
church in good standing: President, Vice President, Clerk, Treasurer, Missions Treasurer,
Sunday School Superintendent, Financial Secretary, Deacon, Deaconess, Trustee, Finance
Committee, and Nominating Committee. They shall be elected at the Annual Meeting or until
their successors are elected, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. They shall
assume office at the end of the meeting at which they were elected.
ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings: The church shall meet regularly every Lord’s Day, morning and
evening, for public worship. A meeting of the Bible School shall be held each Sunday for the
study of the Word. A meeting for praise and prayer shall be held each Wednesday night. The
ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of each month.
Section 2. Annual Meeting: The Annual Meeting of the church shall be held on the third,
fourth, or fifth Wednesday of January. Written reports of officers, committees and departments
shall be presented; the officers and committees of the church elected, and such other business
transacted as may properly come before the meeting.
Section 3. Special Legal Meetings: Special Legal Meetings may be called at any time by the
Pastor, President or any five (5) members of the church who shall present their request in
writing to the Clerk. A notice containing the date, time, and a statement of the business to be
transacted at the legal meeting shall be posted no less than seven (7) days prior to the meeting
date. The Clerk shall consult with the President and Pastor before selecting the date for the
meeting. No legal business meeting shall be held on Sunday.
Section 4. Location: All business meetings shall be held at the meetinghouse unless approved
by the Deacons.
Section 5. Voting: The voting privileges at any business meeting of the church shall be vested
in the members of the church. Only members who are eighteen (18) years of age and over may
vote.
Section 6. Quorum: A quorum for the transaction of legal business shall be those members
present qualified to vote.
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ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any legal meeting of the church
by a majority vote of the members present and entitled to vote, providing the proposed
amendments have been submitted in writing and read from the pulpit at two (2) regular services
prior to the business meeting at which the amendments are to be acted upon.
ARTICLE IX
BY-LAWS
Section 1. All organizations of the church shall be subject to the will of the church and shall
make annual reports in writing to the church. Their policies and programs shall be subject to
review by the Board of Deacons. Failure to work in harmony with the church shall be cause for
disbanding such organizations. This may be done by vote at a legal business meeting on the
recommendation of the Board of Deacons.
Section 2. The reports of officers, committees and organizations shall be presented in such a
manner as to make it possible for the church Clerk to keep a careful record of them.
Section 3. All officers and standing committees shall be elected by secret ballot except when a
motion is made and carried by a hand count to accept the recommendations of the Nominating
Committee and nominations from the floor of the meeting in total, without individual selection
of candidates. In either case, by secret ballot or by hand vote, a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
members present and entitled to vote shall be necessary for election. Selection of an individual
from a group of two or more candidates nominated for the same office and the selection of a
Pastor shall be by secret ballot if any candidate or any voting member requests such a ballot.
Section 4. No member of the church shall contract a bill in the name of the church without
approval of the Finance Committee.
Section 5. All Committees and Boards of the church shall meet within thirty (30) days after
election for organization and election of chairman and clerk.
Section 6. The rules and regulations adopted in this Constitution shall be construed as setting
aside and making null and void all former rules, acts and regulations for the governing of this
church.
ARTICLE X
DISSOLUTION
Section 1. If the church should at any time dissolve, after all debt is paid its assets shall be
turned over to the American Baptist Churches of Maine, or to a similar non-profit organization
qualifying for tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
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ARTICLE XI
MARRIAGE
Section 1. We believe that marriage is the exclusive, covenantal union of one man and one
woman. This church does not authorize any pastor, member, or visiting official to officiate,
solemnize, perform or use church property for any marriage other than the union of one man
and one woman. No member may enter a same-sex, polygamous, transgendered or marriagelike union without being subject to church discipline.
Section 2. Marriage is properly ended by the death of one of the partners. In the case of
divorce, remarriage will be considered appropriate on a case by case basis according to the
conscience of the pastor and the persons entering such a union.
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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
of
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Freeport, Maine
Organized November 20, 1807
Incorporated 1917
Revised June 11, 2014
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CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
185 Main Street
Freeport, Maine 04032
Revised to June 11, 2014
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COMMUNITY PROFILE
Maine
Maine is one of six New England states and the easternmost state in the U.S., bordered by the
Atlantic Ocean to the east and south; New Hampshire to the west; and the Canadian provinces of
Quebec and New Brunswick to the north and east.
It is the least densely populated state east of the Mississippi—1.3 million with 20% living in
greater Portland. The population is 94.4% non-Hispanic white. There is a growing population of
Somali and Sudanese refugees. There are currently more deaths than births.
The summers are warm (though generally not hot), and the winters are cold and snowy.
Maine in known for its beautiful, rocky coastline, massive forests, fishing industry (especially
lobsters and clams), moose, potatoes, blueberries, skiing, boating, and hiking.
Maine has several small liberal arts colleges—including Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby. The
University of Maine is located in Orono and has eight other campuses around the state. Other
schools include: University of Southern Maine in Portland, the University of New England,
community colleges, and other schools.
A 2010 study named Maine as the least religious state in the U.S. The religious distribution of
the population is:
Catholic
14%
Protestant
7%
Evangelical Protestant 4%
Freeport
Freeport is located twenty minutes north of Portland and ten minutes south of Brunswick. It
considered a part of the mid-coast region of Maine. Freeport has 7,900 residents and is the home
of L. L. Bean, Inc.—a major outdoor/sporting/hunting/fishing goods retailer. The town also has
numerous outlet shops and hosts 3.5 million visitors each year. Three of Maine’s largest
employers are within twenty minutes of Freeport: Bath Iron Works (BIW) builds ships for the
U. S. Navy, Maine Medical Center (the largest hospital in Maine), and L. L. Bean.
CHURCHES. In addition to the First Baptist Church, there are five other churches: St. Jude’s
Catholic Church, South Freeport Church (UCC), First Parish Church Congregational (UCC),
Freeport Seventh Day Adventist Church, and the Community of Christ (formerly the
Reorganized Church of Latter Saints).
SCHOOLS. Freeport is part of Regional School Unit 5 (with neighboring towns of Pownal and
Durham). Schools include: Morse St. School (K-2), Mast Landing School (grades 3-5), Freeport
Middle School (grades 6-8), Freeport High School (grades 9-12), and elementary schools in
Pownal and Durham.
Private schools include: Merriconeag Waldorf School (K-12), Pine Tree Academy
(Seventh Day Adventist K-12), L’Ecole (French immersion K-7), and Cricket Hunt School
(Nursery-grade 2).
TRANSPORTATION. Both Interstate 295 and Route 1 run directly through Freeport. The
Amtrak Downeaster train stops at Freeport station with service to Portland and Boston’s North
Station. The Portland International Jetport (PWM) is located in Portland (about 25 minutes
away).
WEATHER. Freeport’s coastal location moderates both the winter and summer temperatures.
The average high in the summer is 78°. January, the coldest month, averages 10º. Annual
snowfall averages 50-70 inches, and rainfall average is 46 inches.
HEALTHCARE. Freeport hosts a number of physicians and therapists with many more in
Brunswick, Yarmouth, and Portland. Brunswick has two hospitals (Midcoast Hospital and
Parkview Adventist Medical Center); Portland has two hospitals (Maine Medical Center and
Mercy Hospital), and Lewiston has two hospitals (St. Mary’s Hospital and Central Maine
Medical Center).
RECREATION. Maine has some premiere recreational destinations. Baxter State Park and
Acadia National Park are two favorites. Freeport is home to Wolf’s Neck State Park, Winslow
Park and campground, Mast Landing Audubon, and the Desert of Maine. Outdoor recreation in
Maine includes skiing, boating, snowmobiling, cycling, hiking, fishing and hunting.
CULTURE. Freeport Community Players has three productions a year. The Freeport
Community Chorus does concerts. L. L. Bean sponsors a summer concert series that brings a
variety of artists to perform in Discovery Park.
Portland has many museums, theaters, and sporting events: Portland Museum of Art,
Children’s Museum of Maine, Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Stage Company, Portland
Sea Dogs (AAA baseball), Portland Pirates (hockey), and Portland Red Claws (basketball) are
popular attractions. The Cumberland County Civic Center is a multi-purpose entertainment and
sporting facility which hosts family shows, concerts, sporting events, and trade shows.
CHURCH PROFILE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
185 Main Street
Freeport, ME 04032
207-865-4404
www.firstbaptistchurchoffreeport.com
The First Baptist Church of Freeport
is a community of Christian believers
who worship and obey God,
love each other,
and serve the world by announcing the Good News and doing good deeds.
Because of our belief in the authority of the Scriptures, a strong emphasis is placed on both
teaching and obeying the Bible.
The church was founded in 1807 and belongs to the Bowdoinham Association of the American
Baptist Churches of Maine which is one of thirty-five regions of the American Baptist
Churches/USA. We are also affiliated with the National Association of Evangelicals, and
connect with Vision New England and the Christian Civic League of Maine. The church is
autonomous in governance but recognizes that we are part of the larger worldwide church of
Jesus Christ.
Our congregation, including both members and non-members, numbers about 110—ranging in
age from three to ninety-eight. The average age is around fifty. We are from varying walks of
life: students, teachers, other vocations, and retirees—drawn together by our faith in Jesus
Christ. Fifty percent of the congregation lives in communities surrounding Freeport. Attendance
at Sunday morning worship averages between 75 and 90. Because of our location, many tourists
and visitors attend the services. During the school year a number of Bowdoin College students
also attend. We are known as a very friendly, Biblical, and evangelical church.
The main services include year round Sunday School, Sunday morning worship, and a small
Sunday evening service, and a mid-week morning Bible study and evening prayer time. There
are also small group Bible studies, fellowship groups, and occasional concerts. There is a strong
emphasis on missions; we encourage and support both long-term and short-term missionaries.
The Sunday morning worship service is about one hour and fifteen minutes in length with
singing, Bible teaching, children’s sermon, and a greeting time. The music is presently
accompanied by piano with assistance from two or three vocalists and includes classic and
contemporary hymns, psalms, and songs.
Our church facilities (just north of Freeport village on Route One) include a 200 seat
meetinghouse (completed in 1952), a large Christian education building located next door
(purchased in 1965), and a parsonage (built in 2003) presently used as rental property. The
Christian education building is used for some of our Sunday School classes. It has also been
used by Head Start, Maine Classical School, and is currently used by a home school group.
Long-term pastoral leadership has helped provide stability for the congregation. There have
been three pastors in the past 55 years: Rev. John Dunn (1960-69), Rev. Ehrmann Bennett
(1970-79), and Pastor Sandy Williams (1979-present). Pastor Williams is a graduate of Moody
Bible Institute, Trinity College, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
HISTORICAL SKETCH
First Baptist Church
Freeport, Maine
An early church record book states that “the origin of the church must be
attributed to the Holy Spirit accompanying the preaching of the Gospel.” In the
summer of 1807 a “colored” preacher from Boston, the Rev. Thomas Paul, was used
by God as an instrument of revival in Freeport.; he was the Pastor of the First African
Baptist Meetinghouse in Boston (which is now a National Park site).
Several converts became convinced that immersion of believers was the only
proper form of baptism according to the Scripture. Sarah Dunham and Betty Wesson
were baptized on October 8, 1807, and the first Baptist service held on October 11.
On November 20, 1807, a Calvinistic Baptist church of 17 members was
organized in the house of Nathan Wesson. Forty-five were baptized within one year.
The first meetinghouse was erected in 1809. Those early years were marked by
spiritual prosperity, doctrinal differences, and discipline (even some of the founding
members and deacons were excluded from fellowship periodically).
Numerous revivals occurred during the history of the church. On one Sunday
in 1883 over fifty were baptized.
The second church building on the site was dedicated in 1897—a beautiful
Gothic structure designed by prominent Maine architect John Calvin Stevens. It was
leveled by fire on Palm Sunday morning March 5, 1944.
The present meetinghouse was completed in 1952, and the Christian Education
building purchased in 1965.
During the last two decades of the 20th century, the church became known for
its biblical teaching, joy-filled members, and continued faithfulness to the Gospel. It
was also influenced by the charismatic renewal, the maturing of evangelicalism, and
the music and worship changes of those decades. More members from surrounding
towns began to participate.
Long-term pastoral leadership has helped to provide stability for the
congregation. There have been four pastors in the past 65 years: the Rev. Nelson
Felch (1951-1960), the Rev. John Dunn (1960-1968), the Rev. Ehrmann Bennett
(1969-1978), and Pastor Sandy Williams (1979-present). During the early years of the
21st century, the church is a continuing influence in evangelical circles.
The First Baptist Church of Freeport partners with the American Baptist
Churches of Maine and the National Association of Evangelicals.
1807 
Our 207th Anniversary

2014
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH -­‐ SUMMARY OF CONGREGATIONAL S URVEY 58 surveys were completed, so this summary is of the answers and comments on those surveys. 69% of the respondents have b een a ttending this church for 10 years or more 97% of the respondents a ttend church 2 or 3 times a month or more If there were an a verage respondent, he/she would b e involved with two committees or groups within the church, would b e involved with one Christian group or ministry outside of the church, a nd would have invited 1 or 2 p eople to church in the last year. 7. What originally attracted you to this congregation a nd keeps you part of this congregation? Top three a ttractions were Biblical teaching, the minister, and the worship style. Top 4 reasons for staying are Biblical teaching, the minister, the worship style, and my friends are h ere. 8 Tasks of the church: Need more emphasis: Sharing the good n ews of the Gospel in our area. Generally satisfied with emphasis: Christian education for youth; h elping members d eepen their p ersonal, spiritual relationship with God; supporting world missions; acts of s ervice to those in n eed outside the church; caring ministry for those in n eed within the church; encouraging a Biblical response to social, political and economic issues; providing pastoral counseling; fellowship opportunities; teaching Christian s tewardship of money, time, and talents; h elping members d iscover and use their gifts for ministry and s ervice; ecumenical participation; expressing our Baptist h eritage; enabling members to be obedient to Christ; teaching and support of d iscipleship 9. The respondents feel our congregation n eeds to improve or increase its efforts at evangelism to some extent. 10. Organizational Characteristics -­‐ respondents b elieve: Internal communications are good; external communications are fair; members and groups get support for trying something new; every member has a chance to s erve the church; important decisions are made after open discussion; d isagreements are d ealt with openly; we h elp each other in times of trouble; morale of our church family is high; there is excitement about our future. 11. Congregational identity -­‐ respondents b elieve: Our church is moderately involved with our community; our church is a little more oriented toward serving the world than s erving our members; our church feels only s lightly more like one large family than a loosely knit association of individuals and groups; our church’s approach to social issues is more educational and less activist 12. Components that make a good worship s ervice: ( each item rated b y 4 options) Essential: None Important: Greeting time; emotionally moving worship; use of creeds; s ilent prayer; part of worship especially for children; use of familiar songs; use of n ew or unfamiliar songs; worship at times other than Sunday morning; traditional worship style, music and language; use of contemporary worship styles, music and language; opportunity for prayer requests; scripture reading not related to s ermon; mission moments; words of witness; time to respond to s ermon Less Important: Non-­‐clergy participation in worship; u se of recorded music Tie b etween Important a nd Less Important: corporate prayer where individuals pray a loud Not a t a ll important: none 13. Components that make a good s ermon: (each item rated by 4 options) Essential: Based on clear unambiguous Biblical authority Important: Touches on everyday life; has scholarly or literary examples; challenging and thought provoking; flows from d epth of preacher’s p ersonal faith and convictions; is comforting and reassuring; carefully composed and skillfully d elivered; spiritually moving and inspirational; sets forth various opinions of interpretation of d ifficult passages or issues; includes and invitation to commitment to Christ Less Important: n one Not a t a ll important: none 15. Religious b eliefs and personal practices (these were n early unanimous with 0-­‐3 d issenters) The Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God There is one God who a lone h olds the u ltimate truth The indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables a Christian to live a Godly life. Jesus is God incarnate, was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, p erformed miracles, died for our s ins and experienced bodily resurrection. At the end of time, all will b e resurrected: the saved ( those who have done what is good) will b e raised to life, and the lost ( those who have d one what is evil) will b e raised to damnation. 16. Would you d escribe yourself as: Evangelical Christian (26); Fundamentalist Christian (12); other (12); Liberal Christian (3); Charismatic Christain (2) 17. Is your theological preference: Wesleyan/Arminian(6); Reformed/Calvinistic(9); Don’t know (13); Neither and open to learning(25) 18. Which choice most represents your s entiment a t p resent: (34) I am more committed to being an Evangelical Christian than to b eing a Baptist (10) I am glad for our h istoric association with the American Baptist Churches (3) I a m open to being an independent Baptist church (2) I d on’t care (1) I a m open to belonging to a different Baptist fellowship 19. Would you b e opposed to a woman b eing our pastor? Yes(32); n o(15); Under special circumstances(10) Would you b e opposed to a d ivorced person b eing our pastor? Yes(23); no(11); under spec.circum.(19) 20. What are the strengths of our church? (And the number who mentioned it.) Biblical teaching/preaching (27); welcoming/friendly ( 11); fellowship/feels like family ( 11); Dedicated Christians (9); Sunday School for a ll (6); service outside our church (4); support Missions (4); support those in n eed (4) 21. What are the n eeds of our church? (And the number who mentioned it.) More people (7); children/youth program or children’s church (7); evangelism (6); music program (5); greater presence in community (5); be d oers of the word (4); more young people (2); fellowship events (2); missionary emphasis (2); prayer (2) 22. What do we do well? (And the number who mentioned it.) Bible teaching (17); friendly/welcoming (7); Sunday S chool (6); mission support (6); care for Each other (5); generous (5); welcome Bowdoin students (3); pastor active in community (3) 23. What do our neighbors n eed from us as a church? (And the number who mentioned it.) Invitation to church (4); presence in community (3); h elp in time of n eed (3); call to believe (3); Love and acceptance (3); Christian outreach (2); Christian example (2); friendliness/kindness (2); Others mentioned: conservative, evangelical, Biblical presence; charity; use of buildings b y Others; truth; d isaster refuge; community s ervice 24. What are your dreams, d esires, and wishes for our church over the n ext 5 years? ( And the number who mentioned it.) Children’s church (4); home fellowships (4); evangelism, esp. in p erson ( 3); community s ervice (2); continue living a good example (2); continue good preaching (2); others mentioned: Advertising our programs; music/drama for kids; outreach to Freeport kids; go to people; go to Schools; ecumenism; nursing home ministry; public forums/guest speakers; emphasis on Sovereignty of God; ministry to the most vulnerable (i.e. addicts, etc.); youth group; leader Development; individuals grow spiritually; financial counseling; family counseling; tutoring kids And adults; visitation committee; apologetics