The original structure was built in 1857 on Hedding Street, which is now known as Academy Street.  The framework structure for this building was built in the form of a cross.  It served as the public school of Pennington Borough for 40 years.  It was then abandoned as a school and moved to the south side of the street. In 1898 it housed a men's athletic organization.  In 1904, that organization sold the building and the land to the members of the First Baptist Church.  The property was subdivided.  The individual lots were sold and homes were constructed on those lots all to benefit First Baptist Church.  Thus the beginning of First Baptist Church's strong ties to economic development.  Reverend Crawley worked tirelessly on behalf of the 18 original members of the church to increase church membership.  His labor of love did not go unnoticed; Crawley Avenue was named in his honor.

Church records indicate that the following were original members in addition to Reverend Crawley: George Crews, Belle Fultz, Mary Ely, Alice Shorter, Patti Leftwich, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Crews, John Henry Wilson, Delli Walter, Mr. And Mrs. Alexander Craft, James Cole, Jesse Johnson, Susan Witcher, Malcolm Durham, Lulu Crews, Lucy Crews, and Virginia Washington.

First Baptist was and continues to be widely respected in the religious community.  In 1906, it served as one of the founders of the Middlesex Central Baptist Association. The Women's Auxiliary, formerly known as The Missionary Union of the Middlesex Central Baptist Association was initially organized in the First Baptist Church on October 26, 1907.  The first officers were Mrs. Lucretia Croom, President, Mrs. Lulu Crews, Vice President, Miss Almeda Crews, Recording Secretary; Mrs. G. W. Bailey, Corresponding Secretary; and Mrs. M. R. Crawley, Treasurer.

First Baptist Church has been blessed with tremendous pastors.  They have always been true men of God who cheerfully labored with the members of First Baptist to maintain a community that functioned in accordance with the principles of Christianity.  We remember not only the first pastor Reverend Crawley, but also Reverend Fimmer, Reverend L. O. Jones, Reverend J. H. Nelson, Reverend Hawks, Reverend Washington, Reverend Hightower, Reverend Lewis, Reverend C. A. Jones, Reverend Cain, and Reverend Smith.  These men served First Baptist with distinction and were an inspiration and blessing to all who worshipped here throughout their many, many years of service.

Reverend Wayne R. Griffith was called to pastor the First Baptist Church and was installed on October 11, 1992.  Reverend Griffith embodies three essential principles: evangelism, education and economic development.  When Reverend Griffith came to First Baptist there were eight dedicated members, and with his leadership, the Lord has truly blessed First Baptist Church by increasing our membership to over 100 people.  With his guidance we completed numerous renovations to the church, developed a faith based Community Development Corporation, and purchased a Christian Learning Center/Community Development Corporation Building.

First Baptist is located in a town where African Americans represent less than 1% of the population, but there exists here in this community, a strong sense of comradery amongst the churches.  There were times when capital improvements needed to be made and the other churches stepped forward and made contributions to the cause.  The churches have also opened up their doors to First Baptist's membership for various meetings and events.

With a strong sense of community and a commitment to the spread of The Gospel, The First Baptist Church of Pennington continues to not only grow in number but also in spirit and fellowship.  Our church is indeed "Moving by the Spirit” into the 21st century with “Hearts toward God and Hands toward Mankind."