First Baptist Church in Newton
Encyclopedia
First Baptist Church in Newton built in 1888 is an historic church building located at 848 Beacon Street in the village of Newton Centre
, in Newton, Massachusetts
. On April 15, 1982, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places
.
of the present building.
The present building was constructed in 1888 in the Richardsonian Romanesque
architectural style pioneered by Henry Hobson Richardson
. The church's architect was John Lyman Faxon.
, famous as the author of My Country, 'Tis of Thee
(also known as America), was minister of the church from 1842 to 1854. The bell tower on the present building was given in his memory and was rededicated as the America bell tower in 1932.
and a member of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM). However, as an American Baptist Church, all decisions on church matters rest with its own members.
The congregation has voted to approve a welcoming statement. Their web site states: "Our congregation, believing God's love and grace are offered to all to be shared and celebrated by all, embraces persons of every age, race, sexual orientation, denomination, cultural background, and economic means as vital and integral members of God's family."
The church often hosts the annual commencement ceremonies for nearby Andover Newton Theological School. Many faculty, staff, students, and administration are active members of the church.
Newton Centre, Massachusetts
Newton Centre is a borough of Newton, Massachusetts. The main commercial center of Newton Centre is a triangular area surrounding the intersections of Beacon Street, Centre Street and Langley Road. It is the largest downtown area among all the villages of Newton, and serves as a large upscale...
, in Newton, Massachusetts
Newton, Massachusetts
Newton is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States bordered to the east by Boston. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Newton was 85,146, making it the eleventh largest city in the state.-Villages:...
. On April 15, 1982, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
National Register listing
According to codes in a National Register database, the building is significant for its architecture and also for an event that occurred during 1875-1899.History
First Baptist Church in Newton was founded on July 5, 1780, on a site just westof the present building.
The present building was constructed in 1888 in the Richardsonian Romanesque
Richardsonian Romanesque
Richardsonian Romanesque is a style of Romanesque Revival architecture named after architect Henry Hobson Richardson, whose masterpiece is Trinity Church, Boston , designated a National Historic Landmark...
architectural style pioneered by Henry Hobson Richardson
Henry Hobson Richardson
Henry Hobson Richardson was a prominent American architect who designed buildings in Albany, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and other cities. The style he popularized is named for him: Richardsonian Romanesque...
. The church's architect was John Lyman Faxon.
Famous minister
Samuel Francis SmithSamuel Francis Smith
Samuel Francis Smith, , Baptist minister, journalist and author, is best known for having written the lyrics to "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", which he entitled America.-Early life:...
, famous as the author of My Country, 'Tis of Thee
My Country, 'Tis of Thee
"My Country, 'Tis of Thee", also known as "America", is an American patriotic song, whose lyrics were written by Samuel Francis Smith. The melody derived from Muzio Clementi's Symphony No. 3, and is shared with "God Save the Queen," used by many members of the Commonwealth of Nations...
(also known as America), was minister of the church from 1842 to 1854. The bell tower on the present building was given in his memory and was rededicated as the America bell tower in 1932.
Affiliation and current status
First Baptist Church in Newton is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USAAmerican Baptist Churches USA
The American Baptist Churches USA is a Baptist Christian denomination within the United States. The denomination maintains headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The organization is usually considered mainline, although varying theological and mission emphases may be found among its...
and a member of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM). However, as an American Baptist Church, all decisions on church matters rest with its own members.
The congregation has voted to approve a welcoming statement. Their web site states: "Our congregation, believing God's love and grace are offered to all to be shared and celebrated by all, embraces persons of every age, race, sexual orientation, denomination, cultural background, and economic means as vital and integral members of God's family."
The church often hosts the annual commencement ceremonies for nearby Andover Newton Theological School. Many faculty, staff, students, and administration are active members of the church.