ABOUT

We are a church in Westchester where people belong. People, no matter what they look like, what they wear, what they drive, who they know themselves to be, because they are children of God.

No matter what you’ve been called, or who the world says you are, you belong at First Baptist, first and foremost because you are a child of God.

Jesus called people to follow him in groups. His ministry established a very close and diverse group of friends we know as the 12 disciples. We do our best to encourage friendships within our larger community.

Jesus welcomes the stranger, the outcast, and his enemies to a healing relationship. We endeavor to do the same.

We are a diverse community of Christ nurturing loving, generous,
creative and resilient disciples for God's changing world.

Pastor Fraley

OUR PASTOR

Reverend Dr. Frank T. Fraley, Senior Pastor

The Reverend Dr. Frank Timothy Fraley, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and a lifelong member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, is the youngest of six children born to U.S. Army Sergeant Henry Fraley and Deacon Ollie Fraley. His journey of faith, education, and service began early in life, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in ministry, education, business, and community leadership.

Dr. Fraley received his early education in the New York City Public School System and has earned diplomas, certificates, and degrees from Erasmus Hall High School, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the State University of New York, and New York University. His theological education includes studies at Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary. In 2025, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree, with a concentration in Christian Education, from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. Continuing his commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual leadership, Dr. Fraley is currently participating in The Leader’s Way Fellowship Program at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University, further enriching his understanding of Christian leadership, spiritual formation, and the evolving mission of the Church.

Baptized at the age of seven at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, Dr. Fraley has devoted much of his life to Christian service and leadership. In 1985, he was ordained to the Board of Deacons, beginning decades of faithful service in numerous leadership capacities. Throughout his years at Cornerstone, he served as an instructor for the New Members Class, Organizing Director of the First Friends Ministry, Vice Chairman of the Board of Deacons (1988–2009), Chairman of the Fannie L. Taylor Scholarship Fund Committee (1987–2003), and Director of the Board of Christian Education (2012–2020). These experiences helped shape his understanding of ministry as a calling grounded in faith, education, service, and meaningful relationships.

Beyond the walls of the Church, Dr. Fraley has dedicated his professional life to strengthening communities, building partnerships, and advocating for economic and social opportunity, particularly among underserved populations. His extensive career in public and private leadership includes serving as Chief Financial Officer at the legendary Motown Record Company, Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Mount Vernon, New York, and Vice President of Mount Vernon Hospital. In 2008, he became President of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, further demonstrating his commitment to economic development, business leadership, and community engagement.

Dr. Fraley also enjoyed a distinguished career in higher education as a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, where he spent more than four decades educating, mentoring, and preparing students for professional careers in jewelry design and manufacturing before retiring in May 2025. His passion for education extends beyond the classroom, reflecting his belief that knowledge, opportunity, and mentorship can transform individual lives and entire communities.

As President of SHARE NY, Dr. Fraley has drawn upon decades of leadership experience to advocate for clean, reliable, and affordable energy for all New Yorkers. Throughout his professional and ministerial life, he has consistently sought to bring people together across cultural, economic, and institutional boundaries, believing that meaningful progress begins with mutual respect, shared purpose, and a willingness to serve others.

On June 23, 2024, Dr. Fraley was unanimously elected Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of White Plains, following a period of faithful service as Interim Pastor beginning in October 2023. He was formally installed as the church’s 21st Pastor on September 22, 2024. His pastoral leadership emphasizes spiritual growth, Christian education, congregational unity, community engagement, and the importance of building relationships that extend beyond traditional church boundaries.

Under his leadership, First Baptist Church of White Plains continues to embrace its rich history while exploring new opportunities for ministry and service. A central focus of his pastoral vision is strengthening the relationship between First Baptist Church and Misión Bautista Hispana de Westchester, cultivating a shared spirit of worship, fellowship, and Christian mission under the guiding affirmation: “One Church. One Lord. One Family.” Dr. Fraley believes that the Church is called not simply to preserve its traditions, but to live out the Gospel in ways that respond faithfully and courageously to the needs of an ever-changing world.

Dr. Fraley and his wife, Lisa, reside in Westchester County, New York, and are the proud parents of four children. Family, faith, education, and service remain central to his life and ministry.

Above all, the Reverend Dr. Frank T. Fraley considers himself a servant of the Most High God. His life and leadership reflect a continuing commitment to helping others discover their God-given purpose, strengthening the bonds of Christian community, and encouraging the Church to move forward together in faith, love, and service.