The Bristol Baptist Church was originally organized in September 1845, as the Bristol and Alexandria Free Will Baptist Society. Later, they purchased an old Methodist Chapel and organized as the Bristol Free Will Baptist Church in October 1848. During its history it has made many strides forward in building improvements and church programs, always by faith that the Lord would provide, as they did not wish to acquire debts. A philosophy that is still followed today.
Many improvements were donated, given “in memoriam” of loved ones, or simply to share in God’s work. This working together provided, and still provides unity of spirit.
The present church building was erected in 1850 on Summer Street. In 2005 vinyl siding was installed so as to retain the appearance of the original clapboard exterior. Several years ago, the sanctuary of the church was completely painted, new lights installed, floors and pews refinished, and carpet installed. The seating capacity is forty-four pews. The vestry/basement was completely remodeled to provide a very efficient kitchen area, a large social hall, two rest rooms, and Sunday school rooms, and closet areas. The kitchen area was once again remodeled in 2004 to make it even more efficient. In order for the church to be more energy efficient two new furnaces were installed, one for the sanctuary, and a separate furnace for the Vestry. In 2007 air conditioning was added to the sanctuary. The pipe organ has been kept in good condition and is used each Sunday as a part of our worship service.
Sunday school classes for all ages are available. The children meet downstairs while the adults meet in the sanctuary. Sunday school is held each Sunday from the third week of October through the second week of May. An in-depth Bible study is held on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM in the parsonage and prayer meeting is held on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM, also at the parsonage.
The two and one-half story structure located next to the church is our parsonage, the former Dr. John Coolidge Mansion. It is included in the fourteen structures which were designated as Historical Places as it was built in the late 1800s and was part of the early history of Bristol. It currently houses our pastor, Reverend Wayne R. Toutaint, his wife Devona and their daughter Marie, when she is not attending classes at Keene State College.
In 1948, when the church was in need of repairs and had no money, Reverend Ethel Lee Matthews accepted the call to be the Pastor of Bristol Baptist Church. Although she worked many long hours her only salary was what was collected on Sunday mornings and there were only five or six people attending, three of which were her husband and two children. Under the leadership of Reverend Matthews Bristol Baptist Church grew and the current parsonage was purchased, without taking out a loan. It was not uncommon for the sanctuary to be full of people of all ages and many programs were put into place. Reverend Matthews retired in 1984 due to medical reasons and was awarded the status of pastor emeritus. Reverend Matthews went home to be with the Lord in April of 2004.
Reverend Wayne R. Toutaint accepted the call of God to serve at Bristol Baptist in September of 2003. In the years between Reverend Matthews and Reverend Toutaint our number attending our Sunday worship service had fallen off. Under the leadership of Reverend Toutaint our numbers continue to increase and we now have about 50 attending each Sunday as many of the older members have begun to return. We have also had new members join with us to worship and for the first time in many years we now have Baptismal services.
In addition to the already mentioned activities, Bristol Baptist hosts the Fidelis Ladies Missionary Society. The ladies of the area churches meet at Bristol Baptist after the morning service on the 4th Sunday of each month, except December-February, to encourage one another and to share how Christ is working in their lives. The Fidelis Ladies also provide community outreach through gift baskets, etc.
Bristol Baptist also hosts several music programs throughout the year including our “Christmas in Song” program each December. We also host several suppers throughout the year to raise funds for our Beautification and Renovation fund, which pay for our church improvements.
We at Bristol Baptist hope this brief history of our church has been helpful in providing you with some information of who we are and what we do.