About Us (continued)
In 1966, the church expanded its property by purchasing the lot between the present building and the First Aid Station.
Shortly thereafter, members of the church donated new pulpit furniture and the choir donated a piano and purchased new robes. For the next ten years, under three different organists -- Mrs. Cowser, Mrs. Green and Mrs. McAfee -- those donations contributed magnificently to the worship service.
First Baptist Church continued its community partnerships and participated in the organization of the Greater Belmar Area Council of Churches in 1971. In fact, the council's first lay president hailed from First Baptist.
Under Pastor Thomas, not only did the membership increase tremendously, but its financials tripled and in late 1974, an official Building Fund was established in order to erect a new sanctuary. First Baptist saw 18 years of steady growth during Rev. Thomas’ leadership and that growth continued into the next chapter in the life of the church.
In 1977, First Baptist Church welcomed its fourth pastor, Rev. Arthur C. Goddard who was very progressive during his 38 years of service to the church. New avenues were opened. First Baptist began fellowshipping with kindred churches and even attended crusades held by R. W. Shambach in New York. He believed in moving ministry outside the four walls; which led the church to become involved in prison ministry. And for over 20 years First Baptist consistently supported a Missionary in Capetown, South Africa. Rev. Goddard also wanted the church to be a family, so First Baptist began taking the membership on bus trips to interesting places like Dutch Country in Pennsylvania; and during the summer, one Sunday morning church service was even held at a beautiful park nearby with a picnic afterwards. The members even planted a garden behind the church so that they all could have fresh vegetables to eat. Fellowshipping with the saints was very important to Pastor Goddard.
Several years into Pastor Goddard’s tenure more building upgrades and enhancements occurred. The sanctuary was refurbished by the members, led by Pastor Goddard, covering the walls with beautiful wood paneling, laying new carpeting, replacing windows and installing new pews as well. But it didn’t stop there -- a library was established, a Youth Choir was formed and a new organ was purchased.
The Little Church by the side of the Road -- as First Baptist Church is affectionately referred to by the congregation, even to this day -- has survived its share of ups and downs, not the least of which was Super Storm Sandy in October 2012. Located just three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, First Baptist did not escape the wrath of that year's deadliest and most distructive hurricane -- and the second most costly hurricane in U.S.history. Like many structures in this small beachfront town, the church was severly damaged when the storm surge slammed the coastline. In addition to its cross being ripped off the roof by highly intense winds, First Baptist was completely flooded and along with all the water, the basement even took in several inches of mud and sand.
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