58 YEARS AND COUNTING
The New Canaan Baptist Church was begun in the home of the Deacon Emmanuel Jones in April, 1958. The Church called Reverend John L. Ambler, to serve as Pastor. Its orginal members were as follow: the Amblers, Jones, Williams and Dudley families. With the assistance of this small congregation they canvassed the neighborhood, soliciting for donations to purchase equipment to hold church services in the newly organized mission.
On Mother's Day, May 11, 1958, the Mission of these families marched into the church on the corner of St. Antoine and Leland Streets. Pastor Ambler's sermon for this historic worship service was "Two Mothers." Scripture 1 Kings 3:16. Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. The membership grew to thirty five. People in the community close the church started attending. Later in 1959, seven more famillies were added and out of these seven families the following men were ordained to be deacons, William West, Willie Daniels, Eddie Porter, Oree Dudley, L. Lee, Elder Terry, and Walker Bradley. The Church continued to grow.
The Mothers of the church were Gertude Jones, Mamie Coleman, Jewel Jones, and Maggie Ford. Church Service were held every Sunday morning, evening, and night. At that time the church held mid-day Thursday mission meetings of which Mother Gertude Jones was the president. The choir consisted of these families. Sister Bessie Williams served as president of the choir, church secretary, a well as, many other positions. Deacon Oree Dudley served as church treasurer. Deacon Emmanuel Jones was appointed chairman of the Deacon Board. In 1961, the church moved 9211 Holcomb.
In 1962, the New Canaan Baptist Church was relocated and moved into their first purchased building, located on the corner of Charlevoix and Holcomb Streets.
Our beloved Pastor John L. Ambler on April 19, 1969, made his transition. He will always be remembered as a very dedicated family man, person, mentor, and Pastor. In April 1969, Reverend Adolphus Brown, Sr. was chosen to serve as interim Pastor. In October 1969, Reverend Roosevelt Jenkins was chosen to serve as Pastor. Under his leadership more deacons were ordained, Pastor Jenkins served as pastor until March 18, 1972. In October 1972, Reverend Lennix Westley was called to serve as Pastor. Under his leadership the church added many members. The Church purchased three lots next to its present location. In 1978 New Canaan erected a beautiful new building, and parking lot. The church labored faithfully until December 1990. Pastor Lennix Westley made his transition in 1992.
On October 5, 1991, Reverend Sylvester Sartin, Jr. was called to serve as Pastor. Pastor Sylvester Sartin, Jr. and his wife Sister Shirley Sartin, our First Lady, are currently serving and praising our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Under his leadership the membership has continually increased. In 2002, an addition was added to our church. It contains two classrooms, a fellowship hall with a commercial kitchen and gated parking lot. We have weekly Bible study class, and over thirty active ministries.