Oneida Baptist Church turns to public for help following years of community service

ONEIDA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Oneida Baptist Church been a staple of downtown Oneida for over 180 years, and while it’s not going anywhere, the cracks are quickly beginning to show.

“The building is structurally sound,” said Church Clerk Susan Grossmann. “It’s not going to collapse or fall down.”

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“The water absorbs into the bricks themselves and the joints,” said Pastor Terrance Brown. “So, when that water freezes, it expands, and it begins to pop those bricks out.”

This has led to other infrastructure issues with the church’s roof. And with around only 20 people attending Sunday service, the church is now asking for outside help.

“To have the kind of funds we need is not going to come from the congregation,” said Grossmann.

And the price tag for the repairs is $150,000. The church has started a GoFundMe and is accepting check donations. And they’ll take any helping hands.

“Donation of material might be a way people can help,” Brown said. “Give us a call. We’ll get a work crew together and start doing work inside here that we can do.”

They hope to start construction before the winter so they can continue to provide help during the holidays.

“We do the coat drive, Thanksgiving baskets, and adopt a family for Christmas,” Brown said.

Helping the community that they hope will return the favor.

You can mail checks to the church at 242 Main St. Oneida, NY 13421, or click here to visit the church’s website and donate there.

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