Historical Highlights
First Baptist Church
Far Rockaway, New York

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October, 1916 – October, 2020


When most people were coming to Far Rockaway to work or enjoy the beach and sunshine during the summer months, and returning to their respective homes after the season, so it was in the year of 1916 when Sis. Charity Tillman from Augusta, Georgia came to Far Rockaway and decided to make her home there.

A devout and dedicated Baptist at home, she was at a loss for a Baptist Christian worship in Far Rockaway, since there was not any Baptist Church in Far Rockaway or the vicinity. She made it known to some of her co-workers and associates that, “THE SAME GOD THAT SERVED IN AUGUSTA IS ALSO IN FAR ROCKAWAY.” Sis Tillman began to canvass the neighborhood in prayer meetings that were held in her home. This was the beginning and subsequent birth of the First Baptist Church of Far Rockaway, New York.

The mission attracted other Baptist and non-members to attend meetings. Sis. Tillman invited Rev. James Ellison of Amity Baptist Church, Jamaica, New York to help in organizing the formal Baptist Church. Rev. Ellison came with Rev. C. T. Walker, the pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia and on October 17, 1916, the mission was formally named First Baptist Church with hours designated for regular worship, organized Sunday School, BYPU and a Missionary Society.


The first shepherd of First Baptist Church was the Rev. Samuel A. Horsey 1916 – 1930. Rev. Horsey was called as Pastor on October 24, 1916. In 1920, a lot was purchased on Redfern Avenue from Mr. Charles Sapher for $3,500. A building committee was organized consisting of Brother(s) Samuel Holmes, Joseph Morton, Edward Simmons, Henry Medlock, Rodgers Green, Arnold Stevens, and Charles Canscelow. These men were elected to negotiate a bank loan to build a church for worship.


The Long Island Finance Company of Far Rockaway approved the loan for $14,000. The Jacob Edge Construction Company completed the building in four months with a seating capacity of 100 persons.

The second shepherd was the Rev. Alexander S. Lomax , 1931 – 1936. Rev. Lomax was called on August 4, 1931. Rev. Lomax set up a Fund Raising Committee to finish payment on the Church’s mortgage indebtedness which was paid in full to the Long Island Finance Company. The church celebrated that mortgage burning on December 26, 1931.


The third shepherd, Rev. Thomas F. Owens 1932 – 1955 was called to the pastorate of First Baptist Church. The membership increased steadily although the community was in the midst of a depression. The need for a larger church was decided upon and on February 2, 1938, the lot in the rear of the existing church building was purchased from Mrs. Beatrice Decker for $4,750.



This was the beginning of a giant building program. Rev. Owens insisted that the church must be “BIG AND BRICK.” Mr. Joseph Carnell, an architect from Far Rockaway, was called to draw plans for the Godfrey Construction Company which covered the entire newly purchased 60 ft. by 75 ft. lot. Members and friends donated $28,000 from pledges, sales of dinners and brick donations, and a mortgage was secured from the Baptist Extension Society for $19,000. This section of the church was completed in 1940, with a new M. P. Moller Pipe Organ purchased along with new and used solid oak pews for seating an additional 300 persons.
In 1953, during the condemnation of property by New York City Housing Authority, in preparation for the Redfern Project in the area of the church, the church was doubtful if it would remain on its current location. Rev. Owens formed a Citizen’s Committee and arranged for a hearing before the City’s Planning Committee at New York City Hall. Mr. Robert F. Wagner, Chairman of the City’s planning committee made a recommendation for the church to still remain showing the need and importance for the church in the community. The request was granted and First Baptist Church was the only building in a 5 square foot radius that remained. The plans were drawn and approved and the Di-Pace Construction Company of Brooklyn, New York completed the building in 1955 at a cost of $85,000. The church, all solid brick, had a seating capacity of 1,000 and was valued at over $200,000
From 1955-1957, Rev. Andy C. Lewter and Rev. Talmadge served faithfully every other Sunday serving as supply ministers.

The Fourth Shepherd, Rev. L. A. Burrus 1957 – 1958.


The Fifth Shepherd, Rev. H. Oliver Scott, 1959 – 1987. Rev. Scott was called as pastor of First Baptist Church on March 19, 1959 and under his leadership, the vacant property located next to the church was purchased at a cost of $10,000. The purpose of this property was for the Education Building. The church also purchased a parsonage valued at $30,000. Under Rev. Scott’s dynamic leadership many improvements were made on the building including the purchase of new pews at a cost of $8,000; the rebricking of the rear section of the church at a cost of $16,300. The balance of the mortgage was liquidated in October, 1966 and the mortgage was burned. Rev. Scott, always having his eyes upon Christ and a vision for the future led the congregation in the purchase of the Old Post Office located at 20-50 Nameoke Avenue, Far Rockaway, New York in 1976.

Nearing the end of his ministry, the church was partially destroyed by fire. Miraculously, the Lord strengthened him to lead the congregation to completely renovate and pay for the sanctuary devastated by fire.


The Sixth Shepherd, Rev. Charles Washington, 1989 – 1997. Pastor Washington was instrumental in reactivating the Floral Committee. It was Rev. Washington’s vision of community service that was a guiding force in the Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen that is currently operating within the church.


The Seventh Shepherd, Rev. Everett Jenkins, 1999 – 2002. Rev. Jenkins was called as pastor in April 1999 and installed as Pastor in June 1999. Rev. Jenkins had a wonderful spirit and gave the church fellowship and love.


The Eighth Shepherd, Rev. Edward Taylor, 2003 – 2006. Rev. Taylor was called in November, 2003 and installed in January, 2004. Rev. Taylor, a scholarly young man had a passion for Christian education and worked diligently on restructuring the church to make it viable for the future. He was instrumental in revitalizing the Educational Building by establishing a fund drive that raised in excess of $40,000 in one month’s time.


The Ninth Shepherd and our current Pastor, Rev. Duane M. Sleet, Sr., was elected on Thursday, June 28, 2007 and preached his first sermon as Pastor on Sunday, September 2, 2007.

He was installed as pastor on Sunday, November 18, 2007. Rev. Sleet, a man of great vision and passion immediately began to work towards the redevelopment of the H. O. Scott Community and Education Center, and the youth ministry within the church. He invests in the Christian Education ministry of this church. On February 1, 2011, the H. O. Scott Community and Educational Building was devastated by a snow storm that destroyed the physical structure thus resulting in the building being uninhabitable.

Again tragedy struck the First Baptist Church in the early morning hours of Monday, October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit the Rockaway area and devastated the First Baptist Church. Through the vision, dedication, determination of Pastor Sleet, the church went into renovation. We worshipped at the Brian Piccolo Middle School from November, 2012 through Palm Sunday, March 23rd, 2013. For the past four (4) years Pastor Sleet through shear determination raised over $550,000 to renovate the sanctuary, add a handicap bathroom, renovate the entire lower level and is now completing a state of the art kitchen. He has great determination and vision for the church’s historical relevance and continues to strive for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. On September 1, 2018 , we suffered devastation again with a sewer pipe burst but God is yet faithful to meet our needs according to His great riches. We are steadfast and resolute.


Yes, we are proud, humbled, and thankful to God for our church, its Nine Shepherds, its officers, members and friends that have played such an important role in the church’s growth and development. First Baptist Church has served as an important part of the Far Rockaway community for 100 years. We bow and give thanks to God for His benevolent kindness towards us. We continue to strive for the advancement of His church and recognize Him in all that we endeavor.