Our History

In 1832 there were only two Baptists in Paupack Eddy (now Hawley) meeting in homes for Prayer. By 1834 when the church was officially organized, there were 26 members meeting in homes (and later in the schoolhouse). In 1846 the young congregation built their first Church House on the road now known as Hudson Street (PA Route 590) on a lot donated by Daniel O’Hara. The founding pastors were Rev. Henry Curtis and Rev. Wm. Purdy. A total of 51 pastors, including a dozen different supply pastors in between permanent pastors, have led the ministry through the 190 years of existence. We continue to preach the Book, the Blood, and the Blessed Hope.

In 1870 the official church name became Hawley Baptist Church (though organized as First Baptist Church of Hawley according to the Date Block in the corner of the new sanctuary placed in 1905 when F.C. Card was pastor). The New Church was constructed on the corner of Church St. and Bishop Ave on a lot purchased for $1300. A 48-inch bell was donated by the children of Mr. & Mrs. M.W. Cole in honor of their parents. The total cost of the church was $7,500 for a church that seated 320 with overflow of up to 500 congregants.

Rev. Heywood was pastor in 1925 when the church decided to change the name to Cole Memorial Baptist. In 2015 the congregation under the leadership of pastor John May  voted to return the name to First Baptist Church of Hawley as stated on the cornerstone.  We continue to serve the Lord and await His imminent return to rapture His bride, the Universal Church.