With a new name and a new direction, the former First Baptist Church of Baldwinsville — now Savior’s Church — is observing its 200th anniversary with a historical retrospective and celebration July 11.
In addition to food and fun activities, community members can take a look into the church’s past.
Church members Barbara Walser, Carolyn Long and Suzanne Pannafino, whose husband James is the pastor, have compiled a display of archival books, newspaper clippings, photographs and other memorabilia from the church’s beginning on Cold Springs Road in the early 1800s to the present.
Endowments for the church have made renovations to the sanctuary possible, including new carpeting, heating improvements, roof repairs and cushy chairs instead of old wooden pews.
While the church’s lovely stained glass windows and brick exterior remain, the church inside is changing fast.
“It’s not about a building. It’s about a wide purpose,” Suzanne Pannafino said. “It’s a way of life … a way of thinking beyond four walls.”
This weekend’s celebration not only reflects the church’s past, but marks its future as Savior’s Church. Suzanne Pannafino noted a phrase that is posted prominently in the church: “Don’t go to church, be the church.”
Part of the church’s revitalization efforts include its twice-weekly Panera giveaways, in which the church redistributes leftover baked goods to whoever is hungry enough to stop by.
In addition to its Sunday services, Savior’s Church also hosts twice-weekly Bible study sessions and a casual Monday discussion to accompany the Panera giveaway, the “Bread of Life Ministry.”
“We’re to be the light of the world to this generation,” Pastor James Pannafino said, invoking one of Jesus’ many titles.
Carolyn Long grew up in the First Baptist Church, and she’s seen many changes.
“My mother brought me here when I was a squirming baby,” she said. “It’s a wonderful time to be celebrating because all the generations before us worked so hard for us to be where we are today.”
Long said the celebration, like Savior’s Church’s baked goods giveaway, is open to the community.
“We welcome them, which is an extended part of the outreach [we do],” she said.
While many of the congregation are lifers like Long, Marge Bellotti has been attending the church for only a few years.
“He’s a very vibrant pastor,” she said of James Pannafino. “We’re not a big church, but we’re close-knit.”
“I pray that we can preserve what the Bible says church really is: it’s people,” Suzanne Pannafino said. “Although we’re making a lot about where this building moved … it’s a lot more.”
The community is welcome to enjoy family-friendly activities, games, refreshments and a bounce house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the church, which is located at 22 Syracuse St. on the corner of Tappan Street.
For more information, visit baldwinsvillefirstbaptistchurch.webs.com or call 635-5792.
