First Baptist Church, Stoneham, MA
Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.
Building & History
First Baptist Church in Stoneham has a unique appearance to it that has an exterior of brick and red shingles within its gables and on its bell tower. The church was built in 1892 and it is on the National Register of Historic places. The Wikipedia page describes the building as an example of Queen Anne Architecture. The Wikipedia page for Queen Anne architecture specifically mentions gables, brick structures, often having shingles placed over sections, however this represents a "scaled back," American Queen Anne style. Apparently it is a broadly applied label. The ceiling inside the sanctuary is especially unique, textured, and has these unique features where portions hang down meeting in four sided points. I searched architectural terms to try and find a label for these but came back empty. If anyone reading this happens to know, please leave a comment or send me a message, I'd love to know.
The Congregation
The church appears very socially active, and promotes various activities for members and the community abroad. Some of which I will discuss further below. While members were warm, greetings and introductions were saved until the conclusion of the service. Uniquely, the passing of the peace occurred as the service concluded, which perhaps serves as an opening to the coffee hour that follows. The church has several children of different ages who were attending Sunday school, as well as some young adults who were assisting with passing out bulletins, and one young woman led one of the more contemporary hymns that was sung.
The Service
The service was advent focused with the children lighting an additional candle which represented "peace." The scripture reading was Luke 3:1-20. This passage is about John the Baptist telling disciples that a true profit will come. In this passage it is also discussed how some who repent are not being honest with this quest for forgiveness. Pastor Tom tied this to advent in discussing that striving for true repentance is how people should prepare for Christ.
Some time was taken to pray for many different situations and people in need, as well as an ongoing search for a new pastor at First Baptist.
Outreach
First Baptist gives back in various ways including monthly dinners, where meals are provided to people in need. First Baptist supports the Boston Rescue Mission and Grotonwood, which is a Christian camp in Groton, MA. First Baptist gives to emergencies in surrounding communities as well on a basis of need.
They provide support to Murrow Indian Children's Home in Oklahoma, which provides residential care. Additionally they support various global missionary initiatives. Other international organizations which are supported include Good Samaritan Hospital and San Pedro School, both in the Dominican Republic.
An example of activities for the community is an upcoming showing of A Christmas Carol, which will be performed Saturday December 22, at 4 pm.
Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links
