Special to the Star-Herald
The founding body of the State Street Baptist Church was the Free Baptist Church, founded on Mar.19, 1843, three miles out on the Houlton Road, meeting in a log cabin school. Joseph Roberts was the first pastor. In 1880, the property on State and Second Streets was purchased in order to build a church building. Ten years later in 1890, the First Baptist Church constructed a meeting place on the Second and Church Streets.
On Nov 9, 1915, the First Baptist Church merged with the Free Baptist Church, becoming the United Baptist Church of Presque Isle with 40 members. The Church Street building was sold, and services were then held at the State Street location. Rev. J.B. Ranger was pastor at that time.
During the 1950’s, a faction split off from the United Baptist Church and repurchased the original First Baptist Church building on Church Street, becoming the Bethany Baptist Church.
On January 1, 1970, the remaining United Baptist Church members, under Rev. R. Arthur Sheppard, voted to change the name of the church to the State Street Baptist Church.
In 2001, during the tenure of Rev. John Tremblett, the Front Entry and Sanctuary Renovation projects were completed which greatly enhanced the use of available space.
Three years later, the steeple was hit by lightning and had to be removed. Plans to replace it are on hold until sufficient funds are available.
The State Street Baptist Church is the second oldest standing public building and church in Presque Isle.
As State Street Baptist Church was founded on the principles of God’s Word, we are still operating by those same set of principles. The methods of how we do ministry have changed, but the principles have not!
The week begins with Sunday School for all ages, including an adult men/women class and a ladies’ class. The morning service is followed by a college-age lunch and Bible study and, in the evening, an informal service with music, testimonies and God’s Word. Wednesday’s mid-week family night brings us back together again with something for each age group: Nursery, Gophers (ages 3-5), Olympians (Grades 1-6), Teens (Grades 7-12), Ladies’ bible study and prayer meeting. Alternating Tuesday evenings there is a men’s fellowship and shepherd group meeting in a home. Additionally, there is a senior’s luncheon and Bible study once a month. There are many monthly youth events, frequent get-togethers as a church body and other opportunities to fellowship with one another.
