First Baptist Church, Geneva
134 North Main Street, Geneva, New York | Unmarked Location
On October 15–18, 1907, the New York State Woman Suffrage Association (NYSWSA) held its thirty-ninth annual convention in Geneva. This event marked the tenth anniversary of a highly successful 1897 convention in Geneva. The First Baptist Church, then a socially liberal congregation, made its building at North Main and Lewis Streets available for use by the suffragists. All of the 1907 convention's plenary sessions were held there.
In addition, the Hotel Nester served as the NYSWSA headquarters hotel, as it had during the 1897 event. On the afternoon of October 17, prominent regional suffragist Elizabeth Smith Miller and her daughter Anne Fitzhugh Miller hosted a reception at the elder Miller's elegant mansion, Lochland.
The Building and Site. First Baptist Church was erected in 1893–1894. Built of brick with limestone accents, it is an excellent example of the Romanesque Revival style. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Thanks to John Marks for research assistance.
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church as seen from the Main Street side. When photographed, the structure was undergoing maintenance.
Anne Fitzhugh Miller
Anne Fitzhugh Miller, daughter of Elizabeth Smith Miller.
Anna Howard Shaw
Nationally prominent suffrage leader Anna Howard Show, a licensed physician and an ordained minister.
First Baptist, Side Elevation
First Baptist in side elevation, as seen from Lewis Street.
Tower Details
This detail view of First Baptist Church's dual towers is rich with Romanesque Revival architectural details.
Associated Causes
Associated Historical Events
Thirty-Ninth NY State Suffrage Convention
October 15–18, 1907