About Us
Church Covenant of the Elmhurst Baptist Church
Believing in God the Father and having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we do now most sincerely and joyously enter into this covenant with one another.
We promise, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to endeavor to cooperate in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church, to maintain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine, to contribute cheerfully and regularly to its current expenses, to its benevolences and to the spreading of the principles of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
We also promise to endeavor to base our personal conduct on the teaching and example of our Lord Jesus Christ; to seek, instill His principles into the lives of our children, of our friends, and our acquaintances.
We also promise that if we remove from this place we will unite with some other Church as soon as possible.
Our History
The Elmhurst Baptist Church was organized September 19, 1900, at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Avard L. Dunlop, 39 Vietor Place. Reverand Charles J. Keevel, Pastor of the Woodside Baptist Church, assumed leadership of the group, and was the preacher at this time. The first preaching service took place on Sunday afternoon, October 7, 1900 in a small room in the Cord Meyer Block, on Broadway.
The first 12 charter members were:
Emma Crasper Samuel DouglassArthur PedleyMrs. Samuel DouglassMrs. Arthur PedleyMrs. Elizabeth CardAvard L. Dunlop Mrs. Wm. A RobinsonOliver C. Grant Sarah PedleyMrs. Oliver C. Grant Alice M. PedleyIn December 1901, the Rev. William J. Noble became the church pastor, and regular services were held thereafter. In March 1902, the church moved from a small room to the Union League Club House, on Whitney Avenue. The cornerstone of the building was laid on July 12, 1902, and the first service in the new building was held on March 22, 1903, in the preaching auditorium.
During the pastorate of the Rev. George Rittenhouse(1912-18) a serious effort was made to have a new Bible School and Recreation Building erected. In 1928, church members had raised funds and decided it was financially possible to proceed with actual construction. As a result of determination, prayerful efforts, and loyal denominational support, the new addition to the church was dedicated during the week of October 13, 1929. Rarely does one find a small church with such adequate equipment as: a departmental assembly hall; classrooms for religious education; a modern kitchen; and a gymnasium with a stage.
Early in the pastorate of Rev. A.C. Bowers (1929-1934), the church widened its scope of service by establishing an associate membership on a limited basis. In 1940 the by-laws were amended, which broadened the membership basis further. The congregation consisted of former members of virtually every leading evangelical denomination. Christians found a place for themselves in the Elmhurst Baptist Church. There was one thing everyone had in common: belief in and loyalty to Jesus Christ.
Ethnic diversity has always marked the area. Languages other than English have flourished along with English, the common tongue. Due to the vast increases in population, the church has been blessed with great inter-ethnic religious harmony. The good standing relationship with St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, began when they worshipped in Elmhurst Baptist Church before founding their own church in 1906. This great relationship has continued over the years. The Chinese Mission Church also started here in the 1970’s. Currently, the church is visible in the community and the facilities are widely used. The church’s English-speaking worship service brings together a wonderful combination of Anglo-Americans, Asians and other diverse groups. Spanish, Indonesians, Korean-speaking congregations also worship here. In addition, Elmhurst Baptist Church provide a meeting place for several organizations, associations, and religious groups such as: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Boy Scouts and various Youth Groups from various congregations. In 1933, Louis Urich presented a mural, “Savior of Men” to this church and in it he depicted the then present and now future Elmhurst Baptist Church congregation, as one, under God. This beautiful mural is now located in the sanctuary. Today, Elmhurst Baptist Church contains over 120 members and celebrates over 108 years of continued service to the community spreading the mutual love of Jesus Christ.
We remember and honor the pastors of Elmhurst Baptist Church, past and present, and offer our eternal thanks for their part in making our Church what it is:
1900-1901Charles J. Keevil 1973-1988William Kelly Grimsley
Charles J. Keevil 1973-1988William Kelly Grimsley1901-1905William J. Noble 1989-1991Felicia Y. Thomas (Interim)
William J. Noble 1989-1991Felicia Y. Thomas (Interim)1907-1908A.A. Forshee 1991-1991Eddie Kjelshus (Interim)
A.A. Forshee 1991-1991Eddie Kjelshus (Interim)1908-1911Alexander J. Johnson 1991-1994Clark F. Flesher
Alexander J. Johnson 1991-1994Clark F. Flesher1911-1912Ferrer Martin 1995-1997 Felton Dunn (PT Pastor)
Ferrer Martin 1995-1997 Felton Dunn (PT Pastor)1912-1918George Rittenhouse 1995-1998 Florence Li Maldonado (PT Pastor)
George Rittenhouse 1995-1998 Florence Li Maldonado (PT Pastor)1919-1928Eugene C. Plattner 1998-2007Heinz Rossol
Eugene C. Plattner 1998-2007Heinz Rossol1934-1935J.E. Kirtley 2008-2009 Karen Jones (Interim)
J.E. Kirtley 2008-2009 Karen Jones (Interim)1936-1973Cecil E Kite 2009-Present Timothy Pantoja (Interim)
Cecil E Kite 2009-Present Timothy Pantoja (Interim) Articles - Click Titles
1995 Church Fire
Queens Federation of Churches - Honoree
The Future of Us All - By Roger Sanjek
Century of Growth and Love - Diverse Congregation marks Elmhurst Baptist Milestone
"Haven for people of all cultures, nations" - Daily News - April 25, 2010.
110th Anniversary - Daily News - Daily News - October 19, 2010
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