First Baptist Church of Wilkes-Barre

Where We've Been:

We have a storied history as I have come to understand. This church has been a core part of Wilkes-Barre for nearly two centuries. Our church was founded in 1845 and thank God, is still alive and well some 168 years. We originally met at the YMCA and finally built a church facility where the current Wilkes University Library resides. That church was never used however. The building caught on fire before services ever took place. So back to the YMCA we went.

After some time, we built our current building in 1900. Truly, they don't make churches like this anymore. It is a beautifully constructed building both inside and out. Our membership was large in number and our church was full of the SWB affluent. Our minister's were recognized in the community and even led the organized Council of Churches.

But the church fell on tough times in the 1960's. Membership began to fall off. Then the Agnes flood of 1972 hit and a lot of our membership was forced to relocate. The church continued to spiral downward despite the leaderships best efforts. At one point, just 11 years ago, the declining economy, declining membership and dwindling resources brought the board of this church to recommend to the congregation to close its doors. Thank God that vote didn't pass.

Where We're Going:

The church membership fought hard to keep the doors open through much prayer and self-sacrifice. Ultimately, the church found two young ministers with very little experience to co-pastor the church. Things began to slowly turn around. Although at first, it seemed to get worse before it got better. But it did get better. One of those co-Pastor's left to serve another church and the other stayed to pastor our church. In the last decade, things have changed. Our church certainly doesn't look like it used to. It doesn't have the old glory it used to have perhaps. But it has a new glory given by God. It has been enriched by the people who attend and worship with us. He has given us a diverse people from all different walks of life, all different religious backgrounds, all different political affiliations, socio-economic differences, and race. But He has given us unity and togetherness, and we are blessed!

We have a heart to serve here. Church here is not just a Sunday service or a Wednesday night Bible Study. Church here is the movement your faith motivates you to take part in during the week. We are moving forward by taking a few steps backwards. What we mean is, we are looking back at what the true church used to be, because that is what we want to be; a community of faith that is making a difference in our community.

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Come join us!

Tentative Schedule:

Sunday:
10:30am - Sunday School Program
10:30am - Service with Pastor Shawn Walker

Monday:
5:30 - M25, A food ministry feeds those in need.

Tuesday:
7:00pm - Prayer Meeting in the Sanctuary

Wednesday:
7:00pm - Bible Study

Other Groups:
Music Ministry
Open Arms Outreach Clothing - Free clothing available daily in the church basement.

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Contact Information:
Address:
48 South River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Deacon Bob Evans
570-823-3030

Deacon Alfonzo Walker
570-824-3109

Pastor Shawn Walker Church Office
570-822-7482