The History of
The United Baptist Church of Lakeport
The history of the United Baptist Church of Lakeport began in 1838 with the gathering of individuals determined to organize a Free Will (theology) Baptist church in Lake Village, then a part of the town of Gilford. Meetings were held in various private homes, an early schoolhouse, and mill buildings. By the late 1840s, the Free Will church had continued to grow rapidly and needed a building of its own.
In 1852 the church purchased a parcel of land on Park Street from the Winnepissesiogee (Winnipesaukee) Lake Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company and construction began. The congregation held its first service in the new building in January of 1853.
In December of 1890, as construction was about to start to enlarge the church building for a second time, an accidental fire consumed much of the building.
Plans to replace the ruined church began immediately and a Vermont architect/builder was awarded the contract to build a new structure. Congregants found accommodations for worship in several nearby buildings
including the Odd Fellows (Lakeport) Opera House during the construction period.
The new building was completed and first services held in May of 1892. The Union Avenue Baptist church (organized in 1811) existed almost directly east of the Park Street church on Union Avenue. The church followed the theology of Predestination. In 1920, the Union Avenue Baptists agreed to join the Park Street
Baptists in the Park Street church building, leaving the old Union Avenue church vacant. That building was demolished some years later.
The combination of the two congregations was celebrated by the renaming of the Park Street church. It became the United Baptist Church of Lakeport. The United Baptist Church of Lakeport is affiliated with the American Baptist Church which has missions worldwide to spread the love of Jesus.
In 2024 we will celebrate 186 years of existence in the Lakes Region and we ask you to join us in support of its continued future. Your prayers will help us continue our ministry in this beautiful community.
In 1852 the church purchased a parcel of land on Park Street from the Winnepissesiogee (Winnipesaukee) Lake Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company and construction began. The congregation held its first service in the new building in January of 1853.
In December of 1890, as construction was about to start to enlarge the church building for a second time, an accidental fire consumed much of the building.
Plans to replace the ruined church began immediately and a Vermont architect/builder was awarded the contract to build a new structure. Congregants found accommodations for worship in several nearby buildings
including the Odd Fellows (Lakeport) Opera House during the construction period.
The new building was completed and first services held in May of 1892. The Union Avenue Baptist church (organized in 1811) existed almost directly east of the Park Street church on Union Avenue. The church followed the theology of Predestination. In 1920, the Union Avenue Baptists agreed to join the Park Street
Baptists in the Park Street church building, leaving the old Union Avenue church vacant. That building was demolished some years later.
The combination of the two congregations was celebrated by the renaming of the Park Street church. It became the United Baptist Church of Lakeport. The United Baptist Church of Lakeport is affiliated with the American Baptist Church which has missions worldwide to spread the love of Jesus.
In 2024 we will celebrate 186 years of existence in the Lakes Region and we ask you to join us in support of its continued future. Your prayers will help us continue our ministry in this beautiful community.