First Baptist Church of Essex, Connecticut

The First Baptist Church is a brick church building in Essex with white wooden exterior and a distinctive facade topped by a cupola. The structure displays an Egyptian revival architectural style that sets it apart from typical New England churches.

The building was designed and constructed in 1846 by architect Minard Lafever. Lightning damaged the original steeple in 1925, leading to its replacement.

The congregation gathers weekly for worship and community events that bring together residents from the wider area. Music and singing play an important role in how people experience the services and connect with one another.

The building sits in the center of Essex and is easy to find, with parking available nearby. Visitors should check ahead about service times, as regular gatherings happen throughout the week.

This building is one of only three Egyptian revival churches ever constructed in the United States. This rare architectural choice makes it a remarkable example of an unusual design experiment from the 1800s.

Location: Connecticut

GPS coordinates: 41.35500,-72.39230

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:00