Still Standing After All These Years

By Ken Akers

Beginning construction in 1818 and finishing in 1819, the Ridge Church in New Durham, New Hampshire, has been a landmark for Free Will Baptist history for 200 years.

The church building was erected as a direct result of the ministry of Benjamin Randall, founder of the northern movement of Free Will Baptists (1780). The building is the oldest, standing building still owned and operated by Free Will Baptists. Some older buildings constructed by Free Will Baptists remain in use but are no longer under denominational ownership.

In 2005, the New Durham congregation contacted Master’s Men about helping restore the weakening building. Over the years, the harsh New Hampshire weather had taken a toll on the building, despite the best efforts of the local congregation.

In response to this request, delegates to the 2007 national convention in Little Rock, Arkansas, agreed to help the New Durham congregation maintain the aging structure in light of its historical significance. Renovation efforts began the following year.

During phases one and two, skilled laborers repaired the sagging roof structure, replaced joists and worn shingles, removed and replaced peeling paint, removed two deteriorating chimneys, reinforced the bell tower, and repaired drainage problems under the church. Phase three focused attention on the interior of the building—patching plaster, repairing holes left by the removal of two chimneys, and painting the walls. During the final phase, a six-member team painted the wooden pews, repaired severely damaged flooring, and restored and repainted window grids.

With renovation completed, Master’s Men has focused efforts on maintaining and preserving the historical structure, completing routine maintenance and repairs as needed.

In 2016, the First FWB Church of New Durham, New Hampshire, voted to deed the building and property to North American Ministries. After a lengthy research and legal process, the exchange was completed in 2018.

North American Ministries is grateful, both to the New Durham Church and to the hard-working volunteers who helped Master’s Men accomplish this daunting task. A number of special activities are planned related to the 200-year anniversary of the completion of the Ridge Church.

About the Writer: Ken Akers is the CFO of North American Ministries and director of Master’s Men. Learn more about the Ridge Church project: www.fwbmastersmen.org.