Our History

On June 18, 1839, eighteen women and ten men met in Franklin Hall on Water Street to conceive what became the "First Baptist Church of Nantucket." These people were motivated "to establish a Christian Church in conformity with New Testament principles, that is, a society of believers desiring to follow the Word of God in all of life."

The church held its first services at Franklin Hall. On May 16, 1840, a committee met at the home of Isaac Coffin to plan the purchase of the Joseph Chase mansion, at the corner of Summer Street and Traders Lane, where the present church building stands. The Church was incorporated June 29, 1840. On October 17 the building frame arrived from Maine and five days later the carpenters laid the sills. The church building was dedicated on December 17, 1840. A new steeple was dedicated on October 22, 2000 and the church name that had been popular a century ago, "Summer Street Church," was adopted.

We recognize and honor the history of this church on the island. As we begin this new millennium, rather than emphasizing a denomination, we choose to emphasize that we are an evangelical fellowship, meeting on Summer Street, and composed of people from a variety of Christian heritages.

What is the significance of an evangelical fellowship? "Evangelical" focuses on our roots that are found in the "evangel" or good news of historic Christianity. Through the centuries Christians have experienced the good news that Christ offers joy, peace, and a new start in life to all. We believe that a life-transforming faith in Christ as Lord and Savior makes us members of his universal Church, composed of all believers without regard to denominational boundaries. "Evangelical" also draws attention to Jesus' promise that he would never forsake his people, and that, in the middle of all our confusion and failings, is certainly good news. We are also evangelical in our spirit as we look to the future. Our desire is that we will be conveyors of good news to our island community, not only in our words but also in our actions.

Further, we regard Summer Street Church as an evangelical "fellowship," not simply as an institution. This word draws attention to our sharing things in common with all people. We share in the good things of life, as well as in the struggles, with all on this island and this world. Additionally, we share a special oneness with all those who have found soul satisfaction in Jesus Christ and with those who are spiritually hungry and searching.

Who We Are

worshiperIt is our mission at Summer Street Church to team with God in moving people from their present relationship with God toward maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:28).

We are an inviting church providing an environment where Christians may grow spiritually and those investigating Christ may learn more about Him and commit to following Him personally as Lord and Savior.

We are a community church uniting Christians from a variety of denominational backgrounds with the common desire to grow in appreciation and experience of the good news that Jesus Christ loves us and is changing us.

We are a Bible-oriented church finding in Scripture the timeless message of God and seeking to present that truth in a manner that touches people's lives today.

We are a worshipping family of believers seeking to honor God with our praise, thanks, love, and service.



About the Pastor

richRich grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Washington Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and from Dallas Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Theology. He has taken doctoral courses at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois.

He served as Minister of Education at a New Jersey church prior to ministering as senior pastor for seven years in Burlington, MA. For the past 21 years he has been pastor of Nantucket's Summer Street Church.

In addition to his primary work as pastor here, Rich also conducts International Training for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries traveling extensively. He has taught the Word of God and trained others to teach it during over 50 missions trips to 35 countries throughout North & Central America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Rich and his wife Linda are the parents of two daughters. Tami lives in New Hampshire with her husband and their twins, a son and a daughter. Carrie, her husband, and new daughter are living in Pennsylvania.