On June 18,
1839, eighteen women and ten men met in Franklin Hall on Water Street to conceive
what became the "First Baptist Church of Nantucket." These
people were motivated "to establish a Christian Church in conformity
with New Testament principles, that is, a society of believers desiring
to follow the Word of God in all of life."
The church held
its first services at Franklin Hall. On May 16, 1840, a committee met
at the home of Isaac Coffin to plan the purchase of the Joseph Chase
mansion, at the corner of Summer Street and Traders Lane, where the
present church building stands. The Church was incorporated June 29,
1840. On October 17 the building frame arrived from Maine and five days
later the carpenters laid the sills. The church building was dedicated
on December 17, 1840. A new steeple was dedicated on October 22, 2000
and the church name that had been popular a century ago, "Summer
Street Church," was adopted.
We recognize
and honor the history of this church on the island. As we begin this
new millennium, rather than emphasizing a denomination, we choose to
emphasize that we are an evangelical fellowship, meeting on Summer Street,
and composed of people from a variety of Christian heritages.
What is the significance
of an evangelical fellowship? "Evangelical" focuses on our
roots that are found in the "evangel" or good news of historic
Christianity. Through the centuries Christians have experienced the good
news that Christ offers joy, peace, and a new start in life to all.
We believe that a life-transforming faith in Christ as Lord and Savior
makes us members of his universal Church, composed of all believers
without regard to denominational boundaries. "Evangelical"
also draws attention to Jesus' promise that he would never forsake his
people, and that, in the middle of all our confusion and failings, is
certainly good news. We are also evangelical in our spirit as we look
to the future. Our desire is that we will be conveyors of good news
to our island community, not only in our words but also in our actions.
Further, we regard Summer
Street Church as an evangelical "fellowship," not simply as
an institution. This word draws attention to our sharing things in common
with all people. We share in the good things of life, as well as in
the struggles, with all on this island and this world. Additionally,
we share a special oneness with all those who have found soul satisfaction
in Jesus Christ and with those who are spiritually hungry and searching.
