From the writing of one of the older members of the church I give the following as to the origin of the Lanark Baptist Church.

For several years before Lanark was founded, Baptist principles were then represented in Carroll County by a very respectable proportion of those who were the advance guard of civilization. A profound conviction of the truth and equity of these principles induced the Baptists of Lanark and vicinity to take preliminary steps toward the organization of a church. On the 13th day of November 1867, a meeting was held in the Congregational church, and delegates from the churches in the association met with the Baptists of Lanark for the purpose of organizing a church. The council was organized and the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved: That we now unite ourselves together in assuming the obligations of a church of Jesus Christ, to be known as the "First Baptist Church" of Lanark. The membership at this time consisted of twenty-three persons. They were without a place to worship. These members were as follows: William M. Jenks, Lizzie M. Jenkx, James E. Millard, Hannah D. Millard, Mrs. H. B. Heminway, Edgar W. Dingee, Mary Dingee, John B. Porter, Sarah Porter, Mary C. Porter, Maria McWhinney, J. B. Corbett, Sarah Corbett, Henry Selemire, Hannah Selemire, Julie Ann Newcomber, George W. Miller, Maria Miller, Ann Eliza Sherwood, Betsey Smith, Mary B. Heminway, Hattie Gilbert, Corrilla Dean. The old school house was rented in which to meet and the Rev. John Merriam was settled March 15, 1868 as their first pastor. During his pastorate nineteen were added to the church. He resigned February 17, 1869. Three years later the Rev. N. E. Chapin of Wisconsin was called, and settled as the second pastor of the church July 17, 1872. His labors were blessed by many coming to Christ, and during his pastorate the present church building was erected. The interior of this building is nicely finished, the windows are of stained glass, the seats are folding and made of ash and walnut. The church has a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty persons. A baptistry is under the pulpit, with the orchestra at the left. When fully completed the lot, church and furniture cost $3,818.50. The church was dedicated October 8, 1873. The first regular officers were: Deacons, Dr. J. B. Porter and J. B. Corbett; clerk, E. H. Dingee; treasurer, J. E. Millard; trustees, W. M. Jenks, Thomas W. Newcomber, J. B. Corbett.

Rev. N. E. Chapin resigned February 12, 1875 and Rev. W. E. Bates of Watertown, N. Y. Was called and settled July 10, 1875. He was ordained September 28 of the same year. Under his pastorate the church was greatly strengthened. In a series of revival meetings conducted by him about forty persons professed conversion. The majority united with the Baptist Church. During his labors here of nearly three years, and the succeeding pastor, Rev. Robert Wallace, and others, the church was in a very prosperous condition, and second to none in social standing, but for some years, owing to deaths, removals, and other lamentable causes, the membership has been so greatly depleted that they have not been, and are not now able to sustain a pastor.