Our History

​“Preaching the Gospel Since 1793”

 

The roots of Eastford Baptist Church stretch deep into the early 

history of New England. Originally organized as the Fourth Baptist 

Church of North Ashford in 1793, the congregation was born during 

the fervor of the post-Revolutionary spiritual awakening. A formal 

council of churches officially recognized the church on 

November 5, 1794, solidifying its commitment to the Baptist 

distinctives: believer’s baptism by immersion, the authority of 

Scripture, and the autonomy of the local church.

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The town of Eastford was not yet incorporated at that time—it 

would separate from Ashford in 1847—but the church was already 

an anchor in the area, serving as a gathering place for worship, 

fellowship, and the spread of the gospel. Founding members such as Ephraim Hayward, Ebenezer Curtis, and Jesse Bugbee laid the groundwork for a ministry that would continue through wars, revivals, depressions, and cultural change.

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In 1843, the church constructed the Greek Revival-style meetinghouse that still serves the congregation today. With its clean lines, symmetrical structure, and towering white steeple, it reflected the dignity and seriousness of the Reformed faith they preached. Over the years, additions were made to the building to accommodate the Ladies Benevolent Society, a flourishing Sunday School, and later, spaces for youth and children’s ministries.

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The church has been shepherded by a long line of faithful pastors. 

Among the earliest were Daniel Bolton (1796), Ledoit Noah (1811), 

and Alvan Bennett (1842), each of whom labored to root the 

church firmly in the Word of God and sound doctrine. In more 

recent years, the church has continued in that same tradition 

under the leadership of Pastor Timothy Howard Jr., who began 

his ministry in 2015. Under his shepherding, Eastford Baptist 

has strengthened its emphasis on expository preaching, biblical 

theology, and family discipleship, while maintaining a strong 

heart for missions and community outreach.

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Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Eastford Baptist Church 

weathered national and local storms—wars, economic upheavals, 

theological drift in broader denominations—but remained committed to historic Baptist theology and gospel clarity. The church has stood as a bastion of orthodoxy and spiritual renewal, often functioning as a spiritual refuge in the rural hills of Windham County.

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As the 21st century unfolds, Eastford Baptist Church continues to be a multi-generational congregation committed to glorifying God by making disciples, teaching them to obey all Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). Ministries such as Teen Club, Olympians Kid's Club, Women’s and Men’s Fellowships, and Sunday School are vibrant parts of weekly life. The church has also invested in missions, Christian education, and family worship resources, affirming the priority of biblical literacy and gospel-centered living in the home.

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Today, Eastford Baptist Church stands not only as a historical institution, but as a living church—redeemed by grace, rooted in truth, and resolved to proclaim the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ until He comes again.