Seventh Day Baptist

Protestantism

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July 13, 2026

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Seventh-Day Baptists are a Protestant denomination that emerged in Rhode Island in 1671. A key tenet of their faith is the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, the seventh day of the week, distinguishing them from many other Christian denominations that observe Sunday.1

Baptists, in general, emphasize the supreme authority of the Bible, believer's baptism by immersion, and the independence of local churches. Historically, Baptists have been characterized by Calvinism, though evangelical doctrines became dominant by the 19th century.23

A related group, the Seventh-Day German Baptists, were founded in Pennsylvania in 1728. They also observe Saturday as the Sabbath but live in communal religious communities and share goods.4

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Ephrata Community
…members reorganized themselves as the Seventh Day German Baptists. The Ephrata congregation was dissolved in 1934, but two small congregations continued in central Pennsylvania in the late 1970s.
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…members reorganized themselves as the Seventh Day German Baptists. The Ephrata congregation was dissolved in 1934, but two small congregations continued in central Pennsylvania in the late 1970s.
Read More