Welcome to First Baptist Church of Branford, CT, an American Baptist Church. We are a broad-minded, big hearted, and high spirited community serving Jesus since 1840. With people as our greatest resource, we offer a broad range of programs and opportunities to grow in faith and practice discipleship. Please make yourself at home on our web page and in our sanctuary.
Please check our calendar for Sunday worship and Bible Study opportunities, as well as special events throughout the year. Visit us soon. God Bless You!
The Rev. Bill Keane, Senior Minister
Since his ordination in 1983, the Reverend
Bill Keane's pastoral ministry has taken him from congregations comprised of 8
or 10 faithful souls, to live audiences of 12 million. Yet, whether preaching
in a tiny country church nestled on an Australian hillside, or performing
marriages on a New York set for the ABC-TV network, Bill Keane's faith and
message of Good News in Jesus Christ has been exactly the same.
Coming to Branford in 1997, borrowing from a
prior career in radio, Bill's work has also been expressed through more than 70
commercials broadcast statewide, along with hosting the annual Branford Festival
since 1999.
After 9/11, Bill worked at Ground Zero on a
weekly basis for nine months in pastoral support of the firefighters, police
and iron-workers, and then, immediately following Hurricane Katrina, Bill served
with the US Department of Health and Human Services as a chaplain involved
in the recovery of those who had perished.
Still and all, preaching, teaching and
pastoral care are what drive's Bill Keane's ministry in service to Jesus Christ,
and the First Baptist Church of Branford has occasioned and enabled this
practice to continue in joy and in love.
Bill is married
to Lisa Bachiochi, and they have three wonderful children: Amanda, Billy, and
Niue -- along with one fine son-in-law, Joe,
rounding out the family.
Mr. Cretella earned
undergraduate degrees in music and clinical psychology from the
University of New Haven along with a Masters Degree in Elementary
Education. He has lived in East Haven all his life. He speaks two
languages, French and English. Mr. Cretella teaches calligraphy to
adults at the East Haven High School. He has taught piano lessons since
1985 and owns four pianos. Mr. Cretella is the organist and choir
director for First Baptist Church in Branford. Before becoming a
teacher, he was a medical underwriter for an insurance company. "I am very excited to teach full time and can't wait to teach my students a little French."
Doreen Hausler, Secretary
Doreen lives in East Haven with her husband Dave, their four
children; Meghan, Tyler, Katie and Emily, and their cocker spaniel,
Reilly. Her primary interest centers on
the arts. Previously she worked as the facilities director at one of the
largest music schools in the country, also as a salesperson in an art gallery,
and helped launch a community theater company. She’s had experience working as
an administrative assistant in a variety of industries. With a large family that ranges in age from 9
to 21, Doreen enjoys an active life of hiking, camping and bicycling. She also
serves as a committee member for her local Boy Scout Troop, and has been a
Scout leader for over 12 years.
If you are interested in visiting First Baptist Church, please visit the Driving Directions page, for details.
We would be delighted to hear from you. Please visit the Contact Us page to request our newsletter or send us a note.
First Baptist Church, 975 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405 ♦ On the Branford Green ♦ 203-488-9777
