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 and retired musician 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 FBCCE’s 183rd Anniversary Weekend—of being organized on June 5, 1843, this lecture traces the church’s founding as the first Baptist congregation in Elizabeth, NJ, highlighting its enduring legacy and civic contributions across generations. Our featured conversationalist is The Rev. Nicholas A. Johnson, theologian, scholar, historian, and Senior Pastor of the historic First Baptist Peddie Memorial Church in Newark—celebrating their 225th Anniversary of being organized on June 6, 1801. This is a perfect companion conversation in anticipation of the 250th Anniversary of our nation in July.
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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 concerts that once filled the legacy sanctuary, this musical conversation honors FBCCE’s rich history of worship through music. As the Christmas season approaches, and the Church lifts its voice in praise, we will end our series echoing generations of sacred sound and wonder.
All events begin at 1:30p and are free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.