Dr. Austin Church

Dr. Austin Church was a physician and businessman who partnered with his brother-in-law John Dwight in 1846 to commercially prepare bicarbonate of soda, packaging it by hand in paper bags in Dwight's kitchen. His decision to enter the baking soda business was driven by the product's versatility in baking, cleaning, and medicinal applications. In 1867, his two sons formed Church & Company to compete with John Dwight's established business, introducing the ARM & HAMMER trademark that would become one of the most recognized brands in American history. Dr. Church's founding philosophy centered on product purity and dependable service—principles that defined the company's culture for over 170 years.

Dr. Austin Church (1805-1878) was an American physician and entrepreneur who co-founded what would become Church & Dwight Co., Inc. in 1846. Born in Connecticut, Church practiced medicine before recognizing the commercial potential of bicarbonate of soda, a compound he used in his medical practice. He partnered with his brother-in-law John Dwight to begin packaging and selling the product for household use. Church's medical background influenced the company's early marketing, which emphasized the product's purity and health benefits. In 1867, Church retired from active business and his sons, James and Austin Jr., formed Church & Company, introducing the ARM & HAMMER trademark that would eventually eclipse the original Cow Brand. Dr. Church lived to see the two family businesses merge in 1896, creating the foundation for one of America's oldest continuously operating companies.