About Our Pastor
Matthew Yukon is an ordained minister with the American Baptist Churches USA. He has a BA in Pastoral Studies from Valley Forge Christian College, and an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Matt and Dee married in 1991. They have two children, Angelina, and Lincoln. They have served churches in western NY, Long Island, and Boston, before coming to Northville in 1998. The Yukons have a passion to see people embrace Jesus Christ, grow in their knowledge and experience of Him, and find their place in His work in the world.
Our History
The New Milford Baptist Church was founded in 1814 with the help of local Baptist brethren from Roxbury. Two congregations of Baptists were meeting in New Milford; one in Northville and one in Merryall on West Meetinghouse Road. They combined and used a parishioner’s large home, at 60 Little Bear Hill Road, for services.
In 1821, a meetinghouse was erected on property in Northville on the west side of Rte. 202. Between 1956-58 the historic meetinghouse was moved to the corner of Buckingham road and rte. 202. That building served the congregation well for 169 years.
In the 1970’s, “First” was added to the name of the church to distinguish it from several new Baptist churches in the area. In the 1980’s, the meetinghouse property on Buckingham Road was sold. On nearby Little Bear Hill Road 6.5 acres of land on the West side of Rte. 202 was purchased.
Until the present church was built, worship services were held at Schaghticoke School on Hipp Road. The old colonial farmhouse which existed on the new property was used for several years as church offices and meeting rooms.
We moved into the new, much larger church building in 1992. At that time, the name of the church was changed once again to Northville Baptist Church. Church offices in the old homestead were moved to the new building and the home was renovated extensively and is now used as the parsonage.
Northville Baptist Church has long been a positive presence in our community as well as a launching pad for the work of Christ around the world. Through the years, our church has sent missionaries to China, Burma, Thailand, Africa, India, Peru, and Mexico. This tradition continues today as members of our church sacrifice their time and money to help others in need around the world.
Statement of Beliefs
Trinity
We believe in the one true and living God who exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John 1:1,14, Matthew 28:19, John 4:24, Acts 5:3,4, Eph. 4:5,6
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; Romans 1:17; 1 Timothy 1:1,2, 2:5,6; 1 Peter 1:3
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who, in the beginning “was with God,” and “was God,” and who “Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness”. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings, His death on a cross, and His resurrection on the third day. Matthew 1:18-25; Acts 2:22-31, 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 20:30,31; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Timothy 3:16
We believe the Holy Spirit, has led us to repent of all our sins, and to turn from them, and to obey Christ. We believe the fruit of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, and the power of the Spirit are for us today. Acts 1:8, 1 Cor 12, Gal 5:22,23, Romans 8:8-13, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19
Scriptures
We reverently receive the Scriptures, of the Old and New Testaments, and believe them to be the inspired Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20,21; Mark 13:31, Acts 20:32, Matthew 5:18
Salvation
We believe that we are saved “by grace through faith” in the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that good works are the certain fruit of such faith. We therefore offer ourselves for Christian service as a means of expressing our gratitude to Him, and to extend His cause. Ephesian 2:8-10, John 3:1-7, Romans 5:6-8; 6:9-10
Church
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the Head and believers are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers, who are baptized, associated for worship, work, and fellowship. Ephesians 2:19-22, Acts 1:8, Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 10:23-25
Last Things
We believe in the visible bodily return of Jesus to eternally establish His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and in the final judgment of all people. John 3:36, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1Revelation 22, Titus 2:13, Philippians 3:20