Volunteer restoration effort underway for oldest Native American Baptist Church

Much needed repairs to Aquinnah’s historic Community Baptist Church are underway as part of a multi-phase restoration project. The church, known as the Community Baptist Church of Gay Head, is the oldest continuously operating Native American Baptist church in the United States, established in 1693. It predates the town of Aquinnah, which was incorporated in 1870 and renamed in 1997.

The restoration effort, led by the church’s new pastor, Michael Gilman, a long-time community member, has drawn volunteers from across the country. Gerry Locklear of the North Carolina-based Native Ministry coordinated the project, enlisting a group of construction workers who traveled from as far as Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Oklahoma. All volunteers contributed their own time and resources to support the mission.

The church was originally located further down Aquinnah’s Church Street but was relocated closer to the main road in the late 1800s, likely by horse and buggy. Its historic significance has earned it funding from the local Community Preservation Committee for recent restoration work. The project has also received support from the community, with the former Totem Pole Inn, owned by church members, providing free room and board for volunteers.

Volunteers included local islanders Tom Green, Derril Bazzy, and Tim Larsen, alongside members of Locklear’s Native Ministry, such as Josh and Kathy Lanning, Tim Reeves, John Dale, Glen Holman, and Vic Woods. Locklear and his ministry have traveled across the U.S. to assist Native American churches, from Alaska to Arizona and now Massachusetts.

For 20 years, Locklear and his wife, Sheril, have been involved with Native American Mission Fund Ministries, focusing on mission work that includes building and repairing Baptist churches on and off reservation land. The effort aims to connect Native American communities through shared faith and service.

The restoration project has already begun to unite the community, with new attendees like Pamela offering homemade treats to volunteers. Gilman emphasized that the volunteers receive nothing but gratitude and spiritual blessings for their work. The effort reflects a commitment to preserving heritage and supporting faith-based initiatives in Native American communities.

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