History

1870

In May 1870, six Clinton residents were baptized in the South Branch of the Raritan River. They, along with thirty-one worshippers from the neighboring Bethlehem Baptist Church, became the original congregation of South Ridge. The first pastor, Henry Westcott, was installed in March 1872. In August they moved into their first church home at 55 Leigh Street. The land was donated by Mr. J.G. Leigh and the building was constructed for $10,500. For the next 94 years the Baptists in Clinton worshipped in that building.

God has always upheld the South Ridge, providing the pastors, members, and facilities that were needed at just the time they were needed, and supplying the vision and courage for its people to move out in faith as the Lord led. That is not to say that it was easy. For those who were going though each period in the history of the church, it could be said that God stretched their faith and commitment, while upholding and sustaining in His mysterious ways.

1940s

In the 1940's the congregation began to feel cramped in the Leigh Street building. The parking lot was small, and there was not enough room for a fellowship hall or nursery. Several of the men laboriously excavated the basement by hand and finished it as a fellowship hall. But it was still felt that the physical limitations of the church prevented many from hearing God's Word.

1967

A committee found and purchased seven acres of land on a hill outside of town, where the present church building is located. Those who did not share the vision left the church at that time, leaving only about a dozen families. These dedicated few, led by Pastor Sparling, took personal loans to build a modest structure with seating capacity of 350. The congregation did most of the work themselves. When the new church was completed in 1967, the members brought several remembrances from the church on Leigh Street: the cornerstone and bell, which can be see in the yard beside the present church building, the Bible which occupies a place of honor on the communion table, and the cross, handmade by pastor Earl Cook, which now hangs in the church balcony.

Despite the difficult move, under the leadership of Pastor Iwansky, the church on the hill experienced the blessing of rapid growth such that the sanctuary was outgrown in only six years.

When representatives from the church approached the owner of the adjacent property, Mr. John Gimbel of department store fame, initially refused to consider selling the additional acreage. He was amazed when told in a polite, but matter-of-fact way by Deacon Fred Steinke, "Mr. Gimbel, you don't have any choice in the matter. If the Lord wants us to have this property, you'll sell it to us."

It wasn't long before Mr. Gimbel found himself selling several acres of prime land to Clinton Baptist Church at a very low price, and in 1973 a new church addition with a sanctuary seating nearly 1,000 people was dedicated to God's glory.

Up until this time, the old church on Leigh Street was still owned and used by the church as a youth center. With the expenses of the building project, it was necessary to sell this venerable building, but those interested in its purchase were not planning to use it for the Lord's work. After a time of prayer and waiting, the church family was treated to another example of God's provision.

Ramabai Mukti Mission, a Christian ministry to women and children in India, approached the church leadership about buying the building to use as their U.S. headquarters. This was exactly the type of buyer the church family wanted, but with little money available for the purchase. The church needed a specific amount for its commitments. The decision was made to accept whatever offer the Mission made, and leave the consequences to the Lord. When the check was received, it was for the exact amount needed. Ramabai Mukti Mission still has its U.S. headquarters on the property on Leigh Street, and the church building itself is presently used as a sanctuary for another evangelical Christian church.

1977

A few years later, God gave a vision to a group of people led by teacher Eugene Polsley, who began to pray about establishing a Christian grammar school at the church. In 1977 the church stepped out in faith again as Crossroads Christian Academy opened inside the church building, with Gene Polsley as Headmaster. Over the years, despite occasional struggles, the school has become known throughout the community for its excellence in education and commitment to the Christian life. The growth of the school eventually caused the need for another facility expansion, and again God provided in His unique and astonishing way.

Unknown to anyone at Clinton Baptist, an elderly widow named Mrs. Judith Rieke, who had moved away from the area but was still a member of the church, passed away, leaving a substantial gift to the church. With joy, the church accepted God's unexpected use of one of His children, and built a large structure with a kitchen which served as a new fellowship hall, gymnasium, and cafeteria for the school, and provided a new resource to the Clinton community. The church building was remodeled, providing classroom space for the growing school. Once again, what was needed was provided at just the right time.

While the times have not always been smooth and trouble free, throughout its venerable history, the church has provided a firm foundation for those who desire to meet, know, and serve the Lord. Clinton Baptist has always been dedicated to the support of missionaries. Along with our financial and prayer support to an array of missionaries in this and other countries, the Church has been blessed to send forth some of its own into the field.

What was once a rural farming community is now changing. Farm ground is giving way to residential development and many corporations are moving into Hunterdon County. These changes have also brought a significant shift in lifestyle - what was once a largely agricultural community surrounding the church is now much more a suburban culture. This change in culture, which has accelerated in recent years, has certainly had a profound impact on the ministry of South Ridge.

While the church's history has always been characterized by a sense of vision, it was clear that this vision needed to be clarified and implemented in a new culture, new community, and new environment. As a result, the new millennium brought a clarified vision and many intentional changes in ministries throughout the church.

Among these changes was a transition from a generally traditional format to a more contemporary style of worship and ministry. All of the churches ministries - from adult to children and from Sunday worship services to Crossroads Christian Academy - have experienced significant adjustments during these recent years. These changes have enabled the church to continue to be relevant to the surrounding community. In short, the church has focused on bringing the timeless and changeless message of God's grace to a community that is experiencing changing times.

2001

South Ridge purchased an additional fifteen acres of property adjacent to the church's southern border. We truly sensed God's hand in providing us with this opportunity and the congregation responded positively to this step of faith.

The congregation continues to grow with a current attendance of around 600 during weekend services, and the leadership is constantly in the process of sharpening our ministries so that they can meet the needs of varying people. While ministry is always our focus, the church is also involved in an ongoing process of updating and remodeling its facilities so that it can better serve the community. A master plan is also being worked on which provides for the long-term development of the campus that God has so wonderfully entrusted to us.

As the church looks toward the future its goal is to be sensitive to God's leading in all aspects of developing the ministry. South Ridge desires to continue to grow in serving the needs of people in its community and its greatest hope is to see every person who enters its doors to take a step forward in their relationship with God.

2003

The congregation voted on, and approved, a proposal to change the name of the church from "Clinton Baptist Church" to "South Ridge Community Church". An anonymous donor provided $200,000 to fully payoff the mortgage for the adjacent fifteen acres purchased in December 2001.

2004

The church offically changed its name to South Ridge Community Church on Sunday, March 28, 2004. 

2005

South Ridge underwent significant renovations in project "Restore and Renew".  These included an expansions and improvements to the Worship Center, Foyer, and Activity Center.