About Us
Our Story
First Baptist Church, located at 30 Park Street in Methuen, MA, is a historic Baptist church with a rich heritage. Founded in 1815 and built in 1869, it stands as one of the city's finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 1984, the church has served the Lord for over two centuries. Today, we are a vibrant and diverse community, welcoming members from various global backgrounds.
As a congregation, we embrace core beliefs that guide our faith and practice. We uphold the autonomy of the local church, recognizing the importance of each congregation governing itself independently. We also deeply value the Lord's Supper, observing it as a sacred remembrance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
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mission
Our Mission
Our mission at First Baptist Church is to wholeheartedly love God and others as ourselves, deepen our faith through worship, prayer, and study, and extend Christ’s love by serving and building connections both within our community and beyond. With compassion and humility, we strive to live out our faith by making disciples and sharing the hope of Jesus with all of God’s children (Matthew 22:37-39; 28:19-20). Central to this mission is our commitment to fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by sharing the gospel through personal witness and supporting mission efforts worldwide.
What We Believe
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The Bible is the Sole Authority
The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. We emphasize personal reading and interpretation guided by the Holy Spirit.
Baptism by Immersion
We practice believer's baptism by full immersion as a symbol of faith and obedience, an outward demonstration of inward faith.
Salvation Through Faith in Christ
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works. We believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the only means for forgiveness and eternal life.
Priesthood of All Believers
Every believer has direct access to God through Jesus and can interpret Scripture, pray, and serve God without a mediator.
Meet Our Pastor
Rev. Nathaniel C. Burnes is a native of Stamford, Connecticut. He enjoyed a distinguished 22-year career with Procter & Gamble before retiring in 2018. In 2007, he graduated from the Connecticut Institute of Religion and has since completed his master’s degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Ordained by the American Baptist Churches USA in 2015, Rev. Burnes became the settled pastor of First Baptist Church in Methuen, Massachusetts, in 2016, following eight years of ministry at Andover Baptist Church (2008–2016). In addition to his pastoral leadership, he serves as a missionary and as chaplain for the Methuen Fire Department and the Methuen Police Department. He is widely recognized for his passion for encouraging and equipping others to live and serve with purpose.
Rev. Burnes has been married to his wife, Anita, since 1985. Together they have four children and three grandchildren.
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