Middlebury Baptist Church History

In 1892, eight people who were members of an American Baptist church started the "Swedish Baptist Mission" in Waterbury. As the mission grew, they sought to change their standing from a "mission" to a "church." In 1905, the "Swedish Baptist Mission" became the "Swedish Tabernacle Baptist Church" with affiliation to the Swedish Baptist Conference. The church body also bought land at 22 Bishop Street on which they built a new church building.

As time passed, the church's name was changed to more accurately represent it's membership. In 1957, the "Swedish Tabernacle Baptist Church" became simply, "Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Changing times in Waterbury caused the church to seek land outside the city. In 1957, the church purchased land on Kelly Road in Middlebury. The church was built in two stages... the foundation (basement) was laid and dedicated in April 1957. Worship services and Christian classes were held in this structure. Then in 1960, the superstructure was added. The new church building was dedicated in 1962 and its name changed from "Tabernacle Baptist Church" to Middlebury Baptist Church."

Middlebury Baptist Church has seen a rich history of over 100 years. Yet that history is not so much marked by changes in its name and location as much as by the changes in lives that the Lord Jesus Christ has accomplished amongst His people here. We are grateful for His salvation and His continued shepherding of His people to become more like Him.

The mission statement adopted by our church family in 2002 reads as follows...

Mission Statement: "To be a people of God who are striving to know Jesus so we may live in a manner that brings God glory; and who are seeking to help others to know the hope and joy found in Christ."

May that be your experience as you come to worship, learn, and serve Christ at Middlebury Baptist Church.

Affiliated with the Baptist General Conference