Founded in 1693, the Gay Head Community Baptist Church is the oldest Native American church in continuous existence in the country. Its history and stature were honored on Sunday afternoon, August 27, when church members, friends and supporters gathered in fellowship to rededicate the church and its ministry to life in the Aquinnah community.

There was good reason to celebrate. A fundraiser launched last fall to restore the church building has to date garnered $25,500. So, over the summer the church has been repaired and painted inside and out, including mends to the roof and bell tower, and a new furnace has been installed.

Donors from every Island town generously gave to the restoration project. Donations came in from 18 states and Canada. Pastor Roger Spinney commented, “It’s affirming that many folks outside our tiny church community offered us help. Our members worked hard and gave all they could to the effort; still, more was needed. As we look at our beautiful church building today, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of our friends, far and near.”

Mr. Spinney noted with a grin, “A bit more work is yet to be done as the church bell, our crowning glory, is begging for restoration.” He said that oral history holds the bell at more than 210 years of age, having been retrieved from a shipwreck off the coast in 1790. Also, a small room at the back of the church, to be used for an office and Sunday school class, is in need of carpentry repair.

Mr. Spinney added, “We are $2,500 short of our goal to complete all the work. We especially want to restore our bell. Any donation is received with open arms and a grateful heart.”

Sunday’s rededication service began at 4 p.m., and the event was as perfect as the summer day itself. Area Minister Tony Pappas welcomed the congregation, followed by a message from the Rev. Mr. Spinney entitled, Upon This Rock. Ryan Malonson, son of Donald Malonson, Chief of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, sang a medley of songs. Visiting minister, the Rev. Hugh Smith, joined Pastor Spinney in a duet.

After the words of dedication were spoken, Mrs. Kathryn Stewart, church organist for many years, stood to sing a solo. To the surprise of all, she invited her husband, Douglas, to join her. Douglas announced that the first time he ever sang a duet with Kathryn was in 1940 at the Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven, years before they were married. The Stewarts then sang Bless This House in two-part harmony.

A cookout followed in the churchyard. While the sun set on the freshly painted church, music wafted about the dining tables as Ed Fantasia played the guitar and Fred Simons played the harmonica. It was another proud day in the 307 years of the oldest Native American church in the country.

The Gay Head Baptist Church’s address is P.O. Box 151, Aquinnah, MA 02535.