Church history

Stratford Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of faith in the Stratford community for over 100 years, with roots dating back to July 18, 1922. The church was founded by 24 devoted individuals who gathered in the home of Miss Alice Haley with a shared vision to worship, grow spiritually, and spread the Gospel. Just a year later, in May 1923, the young congregation began holding regular Sunday services at Bartrum Hall in Stratford Center. By July of that year, Fred Farnsworth was granted a license to preach and was appointed as acting pastor, helping guide the church through its earliest phase of growth and fellowship.

In March 1924, under Farnsworth’s leadership, the church dedicated its first building on Broadbridge Avenue. This marked the beginning of a lasting physical presence in the community. The appointment of Rev. Claude M. Haygood in May 1926 as the first formally trained pastor signaled a new chapter of pastoral leadership, discipleship, and expansion. Since then, over sixteen full-time pastors have served the church, each leaving a meaningful legacy and contributing to its enduring spiritual impact.

A significant turning point came in September 1943 when the church purchased property facing Paradise Green, establishing deeper roots in Stratford. In 1950, after acquiring a surplus Army chapel from Goldsboro, North Carolina, the church moved and rebuilt the structure on its current site, dedicating the renovated building as a new place of worship.

While complete records of past events, names, and images have not been fully preserved, the spirit of Stratford Baptist Church has remained strong through the decades. With every transition and every challenge, the church has stayed committed to its core mission—proclaiming the truth of God’s Word, fostering salvation through Christ, and creating a welcoming space for all to grow in faith.

Today, Stratford Baptist Church stands as a living testament to perseverance, prayer, and God’s enduring grace. As we reflect on our past, we continue to look ahead with hope and purpose, honoring our history while embracing the future God has planned for us.