Our History

Bolton Community Church: A Legacy of Faith Since 1806

Our History

Bolton Community Church traces its roots back to 1806, when it was established as the First Baptist Church of Bolton Landing. Organized in a community largely influenced by conservative Congregationalists, it became the second religious organization in the town and one of the earliest Baptist congregations in New York State affiliated with the Baptist movement that would eventually become the American Baptist Churches USA.

The early members of the church were committed followers of Jesus Christ who held firmly to the authority of the Bible, salvation through faith in Christ, believers' baptism by immersion, and convictions that shaped both their faith and civic engagement, including support for abolitionism, prohibition, and federalism.

In 1825, the church building that continues to serve the congregation today was constructed. During this period, the church became affiliated with the Triennial Baptist Convention, which later became the Northern Baptist Convention, then the American Baptist Convention, and finally the American Baptist Churches USA.

In 1932, the church expanded its facilities with the addition of a kitchen and Sunday School/social room, creating space for fellowship, discipleship, and ministry to the community.

One of the most influential seasons in the church's history came during the pastorate of Arthur Curren, who faithfully shepherded the congregation from the 1940s until his passing in 1977.

Faithful Servants Through the Years

Throughout its history, God has provided faithful leaders to guide the congregation, including:

• Arthur Curren
• John Cook
• Norman Hieman
• Url Utterback
• Daniel Orr
• Jim Gillet
• Robert Bishop
• Ray Lloyd
• John Beal
• James Baker

These pastors and lay preachers helped sustain the ministry through changing times while remaining committed to the proclamation of the Gospel.

Serving the Community

For more than two centuries, Bolton Community Church has sought to be a beacon of hope and service in the community. Ministries through the years have included:

• Sunday School for all ages
• Adult Bible studies
• Prayer meetings
• Community dinners and events
• Lawn sales and outreach programs
• Craft groups and fellowship gatherings
• Food pantry ministry
• School supply drives
• Support for migrant workers
• Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance for families in need
• Adoption and support of local families facing hardships

The church has also hosted youth ministries, including a Friday morning youth group shared with other Protestant churches in the area.

A Season of Challenge and Renewal

Like many historic churches, Bolton Community Church faced difficult years. Due to financial challenges and declining attendance, the church was forced to close during the winter seasons from 2014 through 2016.

In 2016, a Bible-believing church partnered with the congregation to provide support and Sunday worship services. While attendance increased significantly, many participants were seasonal visitors.

In 2017, God brought renewed hope through the ministry of Paul Bubar of Word of Life Fellowship, who helped lead efforts to revitalize the church and supported the congregation until his passing.

Looking Forward

Today, under the leadership of Pastor Scott "Scotty" Matthews, Bolton Community Church continues to build upon its rich heritage while looking toward the future. With a renewed commitment to biblical preaching, discipleship, prayer, evangelism, and community outreach, the church is dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Adirondack region.

As we celebrate more than 220 years of ministry, our mission remains unchanged:

To know Christ, make Him known, and reach our community with the life-changing hope of the Gospel.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." — Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

Since then, there have many pastors/lay preachers such as Arthur Curren, Rev. John Cook, Pastor Norman Hieman, Rev. Url Utterback, Rev. Daniel Orr, Pastor Jim Gillet, Rev. Robert Bishop, Pastor Ray Lloyd, Pastor John Beal, and James Baker.

Over the years there has been Sunday School for all ages, Adult Bible Study, prayer meetings, community outreaches such as lawn sales, dinners, movies, craft groups, local mission work such as a food pantry, migrant worker and school supply donations, and Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners/gifts to needy families. Occasionally, there have been families in need that have been ‘adopted’. A Friday morning youth group (during the school year) shared by other protestant based churches in town and partially led by 2 of our members has been hosted.

Due to financial issues and lack of attendance the church has been closed for the winter seasons of 2014 thru 2016. In 2016 another Bible believing church agreed to provide support and Sunday worship services. Although their efforts were very successful in reaching out and attendance increased markedly, most attendees were seasonal visitors. In 2017, Paul Bubar of Word Of Life agreed to help attempt to revive the church and provided support until he passed away. 

Pastor Scotty Matthews is our full time Pastor and plans are well under way to become the church that reaches out to our community through the gospel of Jesus Christ.