Heritage in the House Series Illuminates 183 Years of Faith, History, and Community
First Baptist Church of Cranford/Elizabeth (FBCCE), founded in 1843 as the first Baptist congregation in Elizabeth, NJ, announces a powerful four-part series titled Heritage in the House, inviting historians, educators, worshippers, and lifelong learners to explore the intersection of faith, legacy, and civic transformation.
Held at the legacy church building at 402 Union Avenue—whose cornerstone was laid in 1870 during the Gilded Age—the series offers informative conversations that connect the past to the present, honoring the church’s role as a spiritual and cultural anchor in the region.
Series Schedule:
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March 28 – Beloved Community
This opening session explores how Pastor John Wesley Shipp, Sr., once shaped by southern segregation, embraced The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s popularized philosophy of the Beloved Community. Pastor Shipp’s transformative vision led to the 1981 merger with Cranford Baptist Church that formed First Baptist Church of Cranford/Elizabeth—a church committed to being a beautiful mosaic of faithful people. Our featured conversationalist is Karen Bryant Lucas, a reflective storyteller, retired musician and author whose writings explore race, identity, heritage, courage, and the moral work of truth-telling in shaping a just community. She is the devoted daughter of Pastor Shipp. This conversation is just in time for Women's History Month!
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June 6 – The First Baptists **Anniversary Weekend**
Coinciding with two very special Church Anniversaries on the same weekend, this moderated conversation explores the theme of "FIRSTS" — celebrating two historic Baptist congregations: First Baptist Church of Cranford/Elizabeth (est. June 5, 1843) in our183rd year, and First Baptist Peddie Memorial Church of Newark (est. June 6, 1801) in their 225th year. The conversation will examine what it means to be "first" — in founding, in faith, and in forging paths for future generations. It will also be a perfect companion conversation in anticipation of the 250th Anniversary of our nation in July. Our featured conversationalist is Rev. Nicholas A. Johnson, theologian, scholar, historian, and Senior Pastor of the historic First Baptist Peddie Memorial Church.
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September 12 – Sacred Architecture
This session invites attendees to reflect on how the church’s physical structure—its sanctuary, bell tower, and stained glass—communicates the story of God. The building itself becomes a theological witness to beauty, endurance, and sacred purpose. Our featured presenter is storyteller, semiotician, contemplative-integrative theologian, and our very own Senior Pastor, The Rev. Malachy M. Williams, PhD, ThD.
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December 5 – Sacred Music
Recalling the tradition of special organ concerts and Christmas programs that once filled our legacy sanctuary, this musical moment honors FBCCE’s rich history of worship through sacred sound. As the Christmas season approaches and the Church lifts its voice in praise, we will conclude our series by echoing generations of wonder, devotion, and song.
Joining us in conversation and music are Trío Los Hermanos Alcívar — three brothers who have dedicated more than 30 years to spreading the Gospel through song (Rev. 1.9b). We joyfully welcome José, Gabriel, and Pastor John Alcívar, who serves as Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church of Elizabeth, NJ, where all three minister together.
We also welcome Rev. Jesse Nietzer, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of South Plainfield and great‑grandson of the Tellisons — a cherished Legacy Family of our church. Pastor Jesse is a gifted musician with a deep passion for music and will bless us by sharing on our sanctuary organ.
We look forward to a wonderful afternoon of sacred sound, conversation, and celebration. Please join us.
WATCH SERIES VIDEOS BELOW!
