Jackson Street Baptist Church

The Jackson Street Baptist Church was organized June 14, 1871, at the home of Thomas Leyshon, North Bromley Ave. The first worship service took place June 21, 1871, in a hall over the site of Tague's store. Rev. Benjamin Thomas was the first pastor.

The Church was formally recognized September 13, 1871. It is an off-shoot of the First Baptist Church. The edifice at Jackson Street and North Hyde Park Ave was erected in 1889. It was designed by Rev David R Hughes, father of the late Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, who served from 1889 to 1895.

The only living former pastor, Rev. Dr.C.E. Hermans, delivered the 75th anniversary sermon in 1950. Rev.Dr.B.L.C Baer, present pastor assumed the local pastorate in September 1920, following his discharge as a naval chaplain. Dr. Baer is dean of Protestant ministers in length of service not only in Hyde Park but in the valley. He is serving as president of West Scranton Ministerium for the second time. He also is president of the Abington Baptist Association.

The Hyde Park Bible Institute, an inter-denominational night school founded about 18 years ago meets at the church.

The second oldest Scout Troop in West Scranton is Troop 4 at Jackson Street Baptist Church with E. Robert Thomas, as scoutmaster.

From the founding June 14, 1871, the church has had the following Pastors: