The Pastors - Part 4

Number 2 - Although founding a Baptist Church in Norwich wasn't his idea, one could say that our story began with Rev. John Sterry. He was among those early Baptist converts in the city of Norwich who began meeting together down by the ropewalk and in each other's homes. He was a learned young man, a printer and book binder by trade. Later he and his brother would publish a newspaper called "The True Republican." But the day that Christ stirred his heart, he gave his life to Christ and became forever associated with the First Baptist Church of Norwich.

Shortly after his baptism in the river, it became clear to all that he had a gift for preaching and teaching the "Word of Life." The other members of the small group began to encourage him to use his gifts and lead them in their worship. In February of 1800 the fellowship gathered and after prayer and fasting decided to call for a council so they could be recognized as a church. On July 12, 1800 they were duly recognized and they immediately elected Mr. John Sterry as their minister and Mr. Dewey Bromley as their Deacon. In December of 1800 John Sterry was duly ordained to the Christian ministry and accepted the charge to serve the Church in its infancy.

The church grew in those first months and by 1802 they number over 50 members and began thinking about finding a permanent meeting house. Land was donated and Rev. Sterry and the people began making plans to build on High Street. Within a few years they had enough money to erect a meeting house and they began worshipping there. Finances were tight at first but in 1811 Mr. Eleazar Hatch left a generous bequest to the church so that they could support a settled minister. He admired the Baptists because they "held to good Republican principles and their minister, Rev. John Sterry, prayed without a prayer book." That same year a revival took place and thirty new members were added to the roles. As the decade rolled forward the church was growing stronger and gaining respect. As a matter of fact a member of the State legislature even came to the Baptists and asked what we would like to see in the state constitution and as a result there was a clause added to protect the religious liberty that Rev. Sterry preached on from the pulpit and in the streets.

The first twenty years were filled with many accomplishments but the lat few years of Rev. Sterry's ministry were filled with difficulty. The Baptist in the early years were strong on morality and very strict with church discipline. If a member got out of line, they were admonished. The record books of those times were filled with the adjudication of all kinds of offenses. In 1822 some members of the congregation turned on their minister because he seemed to lose the zeal for their sanctions. They began calling for his resignation in hopes of getting a "more youthful or modern" minister who understood the needs of the congregation. This effort divided the group and troubled times began.

Rev. John Sterry, who with great self-denial and constancy had led the congregation for over twenty years and inspired them to reach out with a religious fervor, ended his ministry with a broken heart. During his tenure he had established the church and put them in a place of self reliance. They had a new home and a strong evangelical ministry. They were sound financially and solid in almost every way up to that point. Even with the difficulties surrounding his last days, no one could deny that he had been their bright and shining star.


Number 1- Rev. Clayton Lord Jr. (Cal) The book is still being written on this ministry. This ministry has included sports teams, drama ministries, youth trips, short term mission trips, community involvements, ABCCONN leadership, feeding the hungry, music programs, and so much more. It has spanned two generations and seen dedications, baptisms and now weddings for some individuals and there is still more to come.