Hancock Baptist Church

History of Hancock Baptist:
The town was settled in 1762 as the Plantation of Jericho, and in 1776 was named after John Hancock the first Governor of Massachusetts, and President of the Continental Congress.
The church was organized in 1772, with a membership of about 15. During the fall and winter following the formation of the church, the membership increased to 111 in one year. A log cabin was erected and it was called “The Hancock Baptist Church”.
The Revolution came and brought division of political statements, that brought unhappy separation, and the church burned down. A frame house was built in 1797. Eventually the building was dismantled and moved to the village in 1850, and rebuilt as the town hall, at the same time the church was built in 1850 at the present site.
In March of 1842 Elder Platt Betts was called to the pastorate at Hancock, and in time a building was built in the present location on Main Street in 1850. At that time Reverend Dr. Porter of Pittsfield, preached a sermon of dedication with a membership of 51 at that time. In 1852 Rev A.P. Vists became pastor and ministered there until 1867. This was the time that the Third Great Awakening was taking place and revival broke out and the membership doubled.
1868 Pastor Ruberg was called to minister at HBC . The church held its Centennial Anniversary on November 14, 1872. At that time , there was a great epidemic kept many away. A dinner was served that day and 80 attended the festivities. Pastor Ruberg ended is pastorate in 1874. Also in 1874 a Parsonage was given as a gift to the church from a Mrs. Dorcas Gardner for the future pastors and family to live near the church.
On April 1, 1898 Reverend W.F. Zell became pastor, and during his first year, the church interior was remodeled to its current state and has been admired to this present day. It is believed that is when the current chandelier was installed. A rededication service was performed and preached by Reverend J.D. Falton of Boston. Reverend H.S. Davis came and preached for almost 4 years and another revival was recorded.
November 5, 1905 Rev C.S. Chamberland of Bridgeport Conn. Pastored the church for 3 years. There was a period until 1914 when many pastors came to fill the pulpit when Rev. J.D. Graham took over the pastorate at the church (the grandfather of our current oldest member). In October 1925, he celebrated his 50th year in the ministry and the Massachusetts Baptist Connection Association, met at the church and helped celebrate the joyous occasion. Due to advanced age and poor health, he was forced to resign with regret in July 1928. Then Reverend J.A. Siougle and served the Lord there until1946. From then a Reverend Roy Lovegrove served until 1948 until his resignation. Reverend Samuel Walker served until 1952.
A Williamstown College student Donald Clark in 1952, started a youth Fellowship, which flourished for a while, under a Reverend Raymond Bates, who had to resign due to health issues. From there a Reverend Howard Starrett served until his death in 1965.
It was in 1955 that the chandelier was wired for electricity by a Deacon Henry Black, as prior to the wiring to electricity, it had been fueled by kerosene, by Bill Whitman and Joe Cameron who lowered the chandelier to be filled, and lite, and drawn back to the ceiling for main lighting for the building.
The church had many fill ins until April 17, 1967 when a Reverend Jordan Holt was called, but only was there for 2 years until he was called to another area. From there a Reverend Bryce Cleaveland preached here, and was also pastor at the Lanesboro Federated Church, and served for 10 years. From there, Pastor Chuck Eggerth, served at the church until 1982. From there Pastor Richard Lewis served 10 years. Then a Pastor Charles Konieczny took the reins for 3 years. From 1995 to 2015 the church has had many fill in pastors and part time pastors; they were: Pastor Richard Cutter, Sue Schultz, Reverend Daniel Daniels, Juaua Stocker McFarland, Pastor Angela Buchaver, Sigmond Sadzinski, and Chuck St John. Currently installed in September 2015, Reverend Chuck Mosher. As current pastor of Hancock Baptist church, and its 253 year history.