Church History | First Baptist Church, Malden, Massachusetts

The Church Established December 27, 1803

First Lord’s Supper Celebrated on January, 1804

First Meeting House Built and Dedicated on September, 1804.

The Church’s Early Expansion 1804-1843

Second and Third House of Worship Destroyed by Fire

The Fourth House of Worship Built 1864

The Church Outreach

The Fifth House of Worship Built 1891

New Ideas Established New Traditions

Early Years of the 20th Century

The Parish House Built In 1914

The Church’s Main Building In Flames

Church Growth After World War I

Church Life During World War II

The Church with Dr. Hillyer Straton

The 1950’s

The 1960’s

The 1970’s

The 1980’s

The 1990’s

The Church Established December 27, 1803

Rev. Henry Pottle, Pastor (1803-1806)

Worship was held in Faulkner Barn owned by William Faulkner, located at what is now known as the Davenport Estate.

First Baptist Church of Malden was founded on December 27, 1803. The “counsel” comprised of delegates from Baptist Churches of Boston, Beverly, and Newton convened in the Faulkner Barn for worship. Dr. Samuel Stillman of Boston’s First Baptist Church preached the recognition sermon taking as his text I Chronicles 29:5, “And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?”. The 52 members of the newly formed church, including the Rev. Henry Pottle, Pastor, were then extended the right hand of Fellowship by the Rev. T. Baldwin of Boston.

Baptisms were held at Three Mile Brook, near the site of the “Old City Hall”. It was the custom of the day that people would meet across the street in the warmth of Hills tavern before and after the Baptismal service. Inclement weather did not deter these services, in fact, thick layers of ice had to be chopped away in preparation for many winter baptisms.

Source: One Hundred and Seventy Five Years of The First Baptist Church of Malden (1803-1978), 1st Edition by Dorothy L. Foxon, May 1979.
One Hundred and Ninety Five Years of The First Baptist Church of Malden (1803-1998), Addendum to 175th Church History by Rev. Martha A. Dominy

Article: FBC History Search by David L. Williams

First Lord’s Supper Celebrated on January, 1804

Rev. Henry Pottle, Pastor (1803-1806)

Meeting in Faulkner’s Barn. The Church’s First meeting house will soon be built and dedicated on September, 1804.

On January , 1804, the first Lord’s Supper was celebrated in Faulkner’s Barn. Deacons who served were Samuel Waite and Samuel Wheeler. Communion vessels were purchased for $17.17. After this time, errant church members were disciplined by denying their participation at the Lord’s table.

First Meeting House Built and Dedicated on September, 1804.

Rev. Henry Pottle, Pastor (1803-1806)

First House of Worship built and dedicated on September, 1804.

The First Meeting House was built on the land given as a gift by Francis Philips located in Salem Street. The Meeting House was completed and dedicated on September of 1804. Dr. T. Baldwin of Boston was again a participant preaching from the text, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” The building itself was described as “an uncouth barn of a place with immense windows and a squat belfry in which hung a bell that rang curfew at nine o’clock.”

The Church’s Early Expansion 1804-1843

Reverend Henry Pottle, the church’s first Pastor, remained until 1806 and was replaced for one year by Rev. William Bentley. In 1807-1815, a period of 8 years, the church had no Pastoral leadership. The church was ably ministered to during these years by several of the Church Elders. For several months, the church was ministered to by Rev. Samuel Wydown but did not stay for long.

In 1816, a new man answered the call, coming from South Reading. The Rev. Ebenezer Nelson was a man of “below middle structure, wearing a wig and cue dressed in small clothes with knee and shoe buckle.” He was a fine man, “sociable and fond of humor”. He stayed as Pastor for eight years during which 25 members were added to the church rolls.

Sunday school was one of the earliest in Massachusetts. It was formed under Rev. Nelson’s leadership.

In 1820, an act of Corporation was procured for First Baptist church of Malden. The corporation was empowered to hold property in the amount of $20,000. It further empowered the corporation to lease or sell pews, and to hold real or personal estate deemed necessary to religious worship, the value of which was not to exceed said $20,000.

In 1824, Rev. Nelson presented the church with a peculiar problem , at which time it was requested that he “withdraw his pastoral care”. Just three days after this request, Pastor Nelson became ill, so it was decided to let the matter rest “on account of his affliction and the feelings of the afflicted family.” Rev. Nelson served for 8 years (1816-1824). He died of his “affliction” in May of 1825.

Rev. John Cookson was called as the new Pastor. He only served for one year (1824-1825). During his tenure, he authored the first Church Covenant.

In 1827, we find the first mention of a choir. This was under the leadership of Rev. J. N. Brown (1826-1828). In 1832, with Rev. Avery Briggs as Pastor, it was voted to build a new choir loft, a dome or belfry was added to accommodate the additional weight of the bell and the Meeting House was shingled and painted. During this same period, a Chapel was added to the Meeting House.

In 1840, Reverend Nathaniel Williams was called to serve as Pastor. Under his leadership, a building committee was created to plan and explore the building of a new Meeting house. It’s all about accommodating the growth of attending members, and the current building’s dilapidated state having existed for nearly 40 years.

The building committee was authorized to purchase a parcel of land at the corner of Main and Salem Streets for $2,000 and erect the Second Meeting House not to exceed the cost of $8,000.

The final worship in the First Meeting House was a rededication of the spiritual values that had been affirmed there. A live brass band, eloquent speeches, and fond memories helped bid farewell to the beloved building.

Article: Historical Account of our Missionary Effort by David L. Williams, 2003

Article: On Free-Will vs. Predestination (ca 1812) by David L. Williams, 2003

Article: Our Judson Heritage by David L. Williams, 2003

Second and Third House of Worship Destroyed by Fire

Rev. John Cookson, Pastor (1843-1848)
Second House of Worship completed and Dedicated on February 22, 1843. Location is in Main and Salem Streets.

Rev. John Cookson was Pastor when the second House of Worship was completed and Dedicated. Welcome back Rev. John Cookson, author of the Church Covenant. It was 19 years since he Pastored the Church in 1824 but only served in one year (1824-1825).

On March 3, 1855 tragedy struck. The beautiful second House of Worship was destroyed by fire. The building was only 12 years old. The Pastor at the time was Rev. William Stubbbert (1851-1860).

Plans quickly progressed to action and in less than one year, a Third House of Worship was constructed on the same site of the burned building in 1856. The building now includes a Baptistry. Total cost of construction was in the vicinity of $12,000.

In 1862, just 6 years after it was built, the Third House of Worship was struck by fire and damaged the walls. Despite the fire’s intensity and rapid spread, the Sanctuary Pulpit and the Bible were saved. The Pastor at the time was Rev. Daniel W. Faunce (1860-1866). Rebuilding was hard as the country was engaged in a Civil War. With such crisis, however, the church moved on. With the House of Worship gone, the church rented the Town Hall for their Sunday meetings.

Two fires in 7 years destroyed two Houses of Worship. The first in 1855 that destroyed the Second house of Worship and the second fire in 1862 that destroyed the Third House of Worship. Those tragedies were depressing experiences for the church. Eventually despite the austerity of the war years, plans had to be made to rebuild the church home.

Article: Church Buildings by David L. Williams, 2003

The Fourth House of Worship Built 1864

Rev. Daniel Faunce, Pastor. (1860-1866)
Malden Town Hall was rented for Weekly Worship and Meeting activities.

Insurance money and fund raising helped to finance the construction of the Fourth House of Worship. The contract to build for $11,371.42 was awarded to Mr. James Osgood of Maine. With all the funds raised and brought forward, it was noted that the New building, with organ furnishings included, would be mortgage free. Still there was a surplus of $458.00

Here’s the description of the church building. The building was large with a tall spire on its southwest corner. It sat back from Salem Street with a large circular driveway to the front doors. The Main Street side had another driveway with a small grove of trees beside it. The pulpit was on the north wall with the baptistry under the platform. The organ and the choir loft were at the left front with a small room attached which was used as the Sabbath School library. There was a center aisle, as well as an aisle along each wall. The windows on the east and west walls were tall and contained glazed panes. A balcony ran along the rear of the church and the walls had smaller windows. The Pastor’s study was to the right of the pulpit while the vestry was located adjacent to the front of the Sanctuary.

Sometime soon after the Civil War, the first Parsonage was built on the site of the present Parish House on Main Street.

The Church Outreach

Rev. Charles F. Warren (1867-1870)
Rev. Samuel W. Foljambe (1870-1888)
Fourth House of Worship, Salem and Main Streets

In 1868, during the leadership of Rev. Charles F. Warren (1867-1870), a branch of Malden First Baptist Sabbath School was organized in Maplewood. Two years later in 1870, 22 members had departed to help form a Baptist Church in Everett and in years to come the church would help to form new churches in North Chelsea, and Revere.

In 1872, with Rev. Samuel W. Foljambe as Pastor, the longest serving Pastor at the time for 18 years (1870-1888), the church voted that the Maplewood Chapel Property be transferred to the Maplewood Baptist society as soon as they were legally constituted.

In 1878, it was a red letter year. Women who were invited to full membership were now elected to serve on several church boards.

The importance of the Youth was considered also, as Sunday evening fellowship meetings were started. These immediately attracted large numbers of enthusiastic young men and women. Midweek cottage prayer meetings were well attended

In October of that year, the method of collecting church gifts was altered. Until then, an ingathering of gifts took place once every two months. With the adoption of the “Apostolic Rule” which stated “On the first day of each week let everyone lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,” gifts would be received weekly in special boxes placed in each pew.

Outreach into the church family was extended in the latter years of the 1800’s as “The Spire” came into being under the leadership of Pastor Nelson Lewis (1888-1891).

Outreach into the community was beginning as five delegates from the church were present at the meetings to organize Y.M.C.A. in Malden.

The outreach extended into the larger Baptist Fellowship in a gift to aid the church in Vineyard Haven to rebuild after fire had devastated its meeting house.

In 1888, services to commemorate the 100th birthday of Adoniram Judson were held at First Baptist Church of Malden.

The Fifth House of Worship Built 1891

Rev. J. Nelson Lewis, Pastor (1888-1891)
Fourth House of Worship moved aside for the New Fifth House of Worship Construction in 1890-1891. Location at Main and Salem Streets remains the same.

On May 16, 1890, the cornerstone of the Fifth House of Worship was laid, witnessed by 800 people present. The hollowed-out stone contained artifacts pertinent to the times, including copies of City, State and National documents as well as those of the Baptist faith.

On November 24, 1891 the New Fifth House of Worship was dedicated. In a deeply committed response to the appeal of the building committee, $ 96,000 had been raised, a sum which was generously matched by the pledge Elisha Converse had made at the outset of the fund drive. The faithful had again ensured a mortgage-free church on the day of the dedication. Not long after, a new parsonage was erected on the rear of the lot where the old meeting house had been temporarily moved.

New Ideas Established New Traditions

Rev. Henry Orrn Hiscox (1892-1903)

Fifth House of Worship located in Main and Salem Streets, Malden, MA.

With the newly constructed fifth house of worship, the closing years of the 19th century were creative years in the life of the church. Under the leadership of the Rev. Henry Orrn Hiscox, new ideas were conveived in the mind of the church which led to new traditions in carrying out its ministry.

In 1893, the Senior Department of Sunday School conducted an entire evening service with dignity and dedication that won the praise of adults and led to generations of Youth Sundays.

Communion had traditionally been served from a few large communal cups, but now, with the addition of smaller individual cups, all could partake simultaneously at the Lord’s table.

As evidence of the spread and acceptance of our Baptist beliefs in Malden, two satellite Sunday School Chapels were established. The first at 96 Boylston St and the second at Cross St. Both would flourish for many years.

So it was the church heralded in a new century, full of hope and expectation, full of plans, and full of dreams. Could her second hundred years parallel and even surpass the first century of activity and growth?

Early Years of the 20th Century

Rev. Charles H. Moss, Pastor (1903-1919)

Fifth House of Worship located in Main and Salem Streets, Malden, MA.

In 1903, the Rev. Charles H. Moss was called as Pastor of the church. Under his leadership, the congregation grew rapidly. Nearly 200 members had been added to the church rolls.

Rev. Frederick Cleveland was called as the first Assistant Pastor and created a Junior Church and broadened the ministry to the youth.

The choir membership had grown to 40 voices.

By 1914, the pressing need of quarters to house the expanding church school could no longer be ignored. To that end, the old parsonage on Main Street, built in 1868 was demolished and on its site the Parish House was constructed.

To enable Rev. Dr. Moss to perform the traditional laying of the cornerstone, he had been made an honorary member of Bricklayer’s Union #5.

The Parish House Built In 1914

Rev. Charles Moss, Pastor (1903-1919)

Parish House located at Main Street, Malden, MA.

As the world plunged into an armed conflict, known as the First World War, 1914 marks the birth of our Parish House. True to the vision of church at that time, the edifice still houses various functions and offices that run the day to day life of our church.

The second level which was renovated in 2004 is currently occupied by Triangle, Inc. This organization, established in 1971 by business leaders and their families, is committed to empower people with disabilities and their families to enjoy rich, fulfilling lives. Their vision and work is most laudable and fits to our church’s mission for community service.

Currently, our Pastor, the secretary, and the bookkeeper hold offices on this building. Another church, Casa de Fe Y Alabanza, finds a home on the third level for their worship services, Sunday school, and other functions. The lowest level is the Corey Room, a fireproof depository which keeps the church’s valuable papers and artifacts that show much historical evidence in our 216 years of church life.

History. Under Rev. Charles Moss’s able leadership as senior pastor of the church, the congregation was growing rapidly. That same period, the church welcomed her first assistant Pastor, Rev. Frederick Cleveland, who created the Junior Church for the youth group.

In 1914, the need for more rooms for the expanding church school was necessary that prompted the church to put up a building on a separate location adjacent to the church main structure. On the very spot where the old parsonage (built in 1868) stood, the Parish House was built.

On the 3rd day of October, 1914, the Parish House was dedicated. The service was directed by the young people and the women’s classes as hostesses. The new building contained classrooms, on four floors, for all ages besides a large meeting hall in which the Morse Brotherhood convened each Sunday morning.

Once, during the fire in the morning of February 17, 1915 which engulfed the interior of the main church building, the Parish house faithfully provided shelter and warmth to the congregation during the church’s worship services.

The Parish House, Revised May 22, 2020 by Jose Lantin, Jr.

The Church’s Main Building In Flames

Rev. Dr. Charles Moss, Pastor (1903-1919)
Fifth house of worship located at Main and Salem Streets, Malden.

Early morning of February 17, 1915, just 24 years after its dedication, the church building with pink Quincy Granite walls was consumed by fire. The fire devastated the interior of the church which collapsed the roof. Fortunately, most of the brick and granite walls remained secure.

In the next 12 months, church life continued uninterrupted in the warmth of the Parish House. Meanwhile, the building committee was re-established and generous donations soon swelled the church’s coffers. Just one year after the disastrous fire, in 1916, our present church building was dedicated.

The new Skinner organ, located at the north wall above the pulpit, is one of the finest instruments of its kind in the northeast. It was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Costello Converse. From the main console, located at the center of the choir loft, six separate organs can be played. The organ has 3,000 pipes, many visible to the congregation. The sounds of the great, swell echo, processional and pedal organs arise from these pipes and the organ’s forty five stops.

The bells in the belfry were the gift of Alvan T. Fuller, who became governor of Massachusetts (1925-1929), in memory of his father, who also was a member of the church. The bells are formed out of copper and tin and are suspended from a large square frame. The chimes themselves are stationary, their sound originally was produce by playing on the console located in a room below the belfry, to which the hammers were connected by rods and chains. This later was replaced by electrically actuated hammers which were operated from the console below. The weight of the bells vary, from the smallest G Bell at 525 lbs., to the largest F Bell at 1050 lbs, for a total weight of 10,500 lbs. Each chime bears an inscription suggested by Rev. Moss.

Church Growth After World War I

Rev. William Quay Rosselle, Pastor (1919-1935)
Rev. George Arthur Clarke, Pastor (1935-1944)
The Fifth House of Worship after the fire of 1915 still stands after 104 years but necessary maintenance and repairs are funded up to the present.

In 1918, the congregation accepted the resignation of Rev. Dr. Charles Moss. During his 16 years of dedicated leadership, the church had been alive with activity. It had been host to special meetings and rallys, had heard many prominent speakers too numerous and diversified to begin to list, but each one had certainly left an impression on the ongoing vitality of the church and its congregation. Rev. Moss left behind him a legacy of action and promise.

In 1919, Rev. Dr. William Quay Roselle answered the call of the church and started his ministry for the next 16 years. There was hardly a lull in the programs when he assumed leadership. On July 29, 1920, Rev. Roselle announced during the morning service that the mortgage of the church had been paid in full. Though there were no celebration or speeches, many quiet prayers of gratitude were uttered. This had been the first time that a mortgage had been necessary. Baptists’ heart beats became easier to see that the debt was paid in full.

The men in the Morse Class had their attendance reaching 175 on many Sundays.
The Women’s Society was formed in 1922 in response to improved coordination on church wide projects. The morning and evening Worship services and Prayer meetings were well attended. Women, who had been serving on many Boards of the church for 50 years, were now eligible to sit on the Board of Trustees through a change in church by-laws in 1927.

The 125th Founding Anniversary of the church in 1928 was celebrated with a banquet held in the social Hall. Rev. Dr. Moss offered the invocation and the Honorable Alvan T. Fuller, Governor of Massachusetts and active member of the church, is the principal speaker. A goal of zero indebtedness had been achieved and the sum of $70,000 added to our endowment funds.

Rev. Dr. Roselle and his assistant, Rev. T.J. Cate, were the first Pastors to wear robes in the church Services. This innovation in 1934 was thought by many as good which add grace and dignity to the services.

In 1935, church membership had grown to over 2,000. The sanctuary, once thought to be too large, now frequently overflowed into the vestry. Early that year, Rev. Roselle expressed his desire to retire from the active ministry in the fall of the year.

In October 1935, Rev. George Arthur Clarke of New York accepted the call and began his pastorate in January, 1936.

In 1937, the Parish House was remodeled throughout. After 23 years of continuous service, the large and frequently used meeting hall received particular attention with new and larger windows, wall tapestries, chandeliers, and colorful oriental rugs. At the rededication meeting in October, the area was given the name Fuller Hall in honor of Gov. Alvan T. Fuller, whose generosity had made the whole project possible.

In 1938, the church vestry was named Judson Chapel, after Adoniram Judson during his 150th birthday in 1938.

Church Life During World War II

Rev. George Arthur Clarke, Pastor (1935-1944)
Rev. Clark T. Brownell, Interim Pastor (1944-1945)
Rev. Hillyer Hawthorne Straton (1945-1969)
The Fifth House of Worship in Main and Salem Streets

In 1940, Ex-Governor Alvan T. Fuller and his sister Martha Fuller Halsey presented the Board of Trustees with a plan to replace the glazed panes in the Sanctuary windows with stained glass, the east window named “Prophecy”, and the west, “Fulfillment”. On Easter Sunday, 1941, the magnificent windows were dedicated before a capacity crowd of over 1,500 people.

Many of our young men answered the call to serve in the military in Boston and all over the world. The church did not stand idly during these difficult time rather faithfully supported the cause. A twelve-page inspirational booklet, Signals, was sent to every member of our church in the military service. This booklet contains messages and greetings from Rev. Dr. Clarke and various church groups.

Newsy Bits, a monthly newsletter carried the love and concern of the church to the men in Boston and other servicemen no matter where in the world they were stationed.

Material items and useful gifts were sent to the servicemen most appreciated in the front.

Al and Del Club, spearheaded by Al Salie and Del Ahrens brought servicemen representing 44 States and several of the Allied nations as guests to our Sunday School, Church, and many of the church homes for Sunday dinner. For their effort, Al and Del were publicly recognized in a letter of commendation by the United States Air Force during the 1978 morning worship service.

In 1944, Rev. George Arthur Clarke resigned after serving as Pastor of the Church for 9 years since 1935. A search committee was formed and while the search continued, Rev. Clark T. Brownell served as interim Pastor for one year. On a vote of the church, a call was extended to Rev. Dr. Hillyer Straton. On May, the Pastoral search committee informed the church that the call was accepted. As the world celebrated the end of World War II, at the same moment our church welcomed a new Pastor. The Stratons began their pastorate in the fall of 1945.

The Church with Dr. Hillyer Straton

Rev Hillyer H. Straton, Pastor (1945-1969)
The Fifth House of Worship (our Present Church building) Salem and Main Streets

When Rev. Hillyer Straton began his pastorate in the fall of 1945, a new parsonage located at 166 Hawthorne Street was purchased. The old parsonage was remodeled as a Youth Center with an assembly room, activities room, a kitchen and a parlor/lounge on the first floor.

The second floor was made into two apartments to be used by Andover Newton students. These young men served as assistants to the minister who in turn gained experience in the parish ministry. Their focus was Youth Programming. The first of these young men was John L. Ross.

During the first year of Dr. Straton’s pastorate, the congregation at morning worship had doubled in attendance to an average of 500. On September 8, 1946, a second youth minister joined Rev. Straton and Mr. Ross in the pulpit. His name is Roger Fredrikson, past president of the Baptist Youth Fellowship of the Northern Baptist Convention who now is a student of Andover Newton Theology Department. With his wife and child, he moved immediately to the second apartment in the Youth Center.

The Sunday School and Fellowship groups were flourishing. Christian Education involved all ages from 2 months to 92 years old. Such groups like the Morse Class for men, various classes for women, the nursery were specially added to the regular Sunday School Departments.

The Roger Williams Class was organized for post high school and college youth, after which, the Mr. and Mrs. Fellowship for the newly married couples. The Mr. and Mrs. Fellowship was organized on November 29, 1946 to complete the age group fellowship.

During this time, a Prayer Chapel known today as the Ireland Chapel was opened near the Main Street Entrance. Also, the Social Hall Kitchen was completely renovated and equipped by the Women’s Society and several thoughtful individual gifts.

In 1949, an extensive program of cleaning, painting, and repair of the church building and Parish House begun. The church building roof was repaired and stonework of walls were repointed. Finally, painting of the Judson Chapel and the Sanctuary completed the refurbishing project for an overall sum of $14,000.

Note: The Church in the 50’s and 60’s with Rev. Dr. Hillyer Straton will be continued soon. Rev. Hillyer Straton served the church for 24 years only to be surpassed by Rev. Martha Dominy who now has 25 years as minister and Pastor since 1995.

The 1950’s

Rev. Dr. Hillyer Straton – Pastor (1945-1969)

Sunday School’s Birthday Celebrated

In 1952, a huge birthday celebration for Sunday School was observed. Under the auspices of young students from Andover Newton, Donald Ellis and Philip Shearman, the Sunday School celebration brought many to see the achievements made from the time it was founded. The church school itself was the oldest, having held classes for 134 years. The Willing Workers class was 70 years old, The Morse Class was 65, The Theomatheas was 51, and the Mother’s class, later to be called the Bigwood class was 29 years old. Surely, the original aim of Sunday school in 1818 “to impart religion to succeeding generations” had been realized.

The Church’s 150th Founding Anniversary Celebration

In 1953, the church had grown and matured in outlook and service, clinging to the faith which had endowed it with strength and stability since the first meeting held in William Faulkner’s Barn on December 27, 1803. On the evening of November 6, 1953 members and guests with costumes dating back in 1803, gathered in Judson Chapel for a reception sponsored by the Women’s Society. A gala banquet was held in Social Hall with special guests which include prominent Baptist denomination leaders who brought greetings from The American Baptist Convention, The Massachusetts Council of Churches, Andover Newton Theological Seminary and area Baptist Churches. Several former pastors, assistant pastors, and their families recalled happy times spent in Malden.

High point of the evening was the surprise presentation of a birthday gift of $150,000 by Ex-Governor Alvan T. Fuller. Rev. Straton, deeply moved and almost speechless, conveyed the gratitude of the church to Mr. Fuller not only for his gifts of money, but also for his great generosity of spirit and talent through the years. The celebrants then adjourned to the Sanctuary for meditation and to hear the keynote speaker, Dr. Kenneth Latourette, Professor of Church History at Yale University and past president of The American Baptist Convention.

Membership at this time was 1,700 with an average of 450 people attending the Sunday morning worship service. In 1955, a new provision in the Constitution was adopted which made changes in the leadership set-up of the Deacons. Prior to 1955, the Board of Deacons and the Board of Deaconesses were separate entities. Under the new constitution, the two groups were merged into the Diaconate, a Board whose focus would be the worship life of the church. The new set-up was a more workable and effective Board which represented the interests of all the membership regardless of gender.

First Mr. and Mrs. Annual Bean Supper Held

On the last Saturday of February, 1957, a tradition of good food, good friends, good fellowship, and good fun was established. It was the first of many memorable Mr. and Mrs. Annual Bean Suppers. “This is Your Life with Anna K. Hambridge” set the stage for many home grown productions that would be presented in the years to come.

Ex-Governor Alvan T. Fuller Died

Alvan T. Fuller, 50th Governor of Massachusetts 1925-1929.

In April 30, 1958, Ex-Governor of Massachusetts Alvan T. Fuller passed away. The church mourned for the loss of a great friend and benefactor of the church. A plaque dedicated to his memory was later placed at the back wall of the Sanctuary.

The 1960’s

Rev. Dr. Hillyer H. Straton

The decade marked the establishment of projects which still exists in the present church ministry. The Ireland Chapel which was known as the prayer chapel off the Main Street vestibule was remodeled and rededicated in 1963. Its quiet beauty offered a serene place for private prayer, worship gathering, and even a small wedding ceremony.

In 1963, Miss Joy Alderman was called to assume the duties of Mrs. Anna K. Hambridge who retired after 37 years of devoted service as church school visitor.

The Witness, a weekly newsletter was started in 1964. This bulletin type newsletter is produced in photocopy, regularly in eight pages. The newsletter is sent by mail with online support to keep the church members informed of special occasions, birthday greetings, death sympathies, announcement of coming events and encouraging message from the Pastor usually printed in the front page.

During the decade, several specific projects were served including the Christian Higher Education Challenge (CHEC) and the adoption of Kimpese Hospital in the Congo as the church’s World Mission Project. The KoKo Gyi’s Burmese missionaries were welcomed in our church during their sabbatical stay at the Judson House in Malden, MA. Also, in response to the influx of refugees due to the Cuban Crisis, our church helped to resettle one family offering spiritual and material support.

On August 1, 1969, Dr. Hillyer H. Straton passed away while serving as Pastor of the church. He served as Pastor for 24 years. His ministry had covered an era marked by an expanding influence and increased mission support but waning of formal religious involvement. His devotion to the church ministry remained steadfast and his inspiration had touched countless lives. The following year, a scholarship in his memory was established by the Clarke Fellowship with the assistance of the Board of Trustees. Lawrence Starr was the first recipient in 1972 as he continued his education at Andover Newton Theological Seminary.

The 1970’s

Rev. George H. Sinclair, Jr. (1970-1976)

Rev. George H. Tooze, Jr. (1977-1983)

Under the leadership of the new Pastor, Rev. George H. Sinclair, Jr. with the help of three young seminarians from Andover Newton Theological Seminary, the church became a teaching parish once more. A summer ministry program of Christian Education and Fellowship for the youth and a cassette program to bring the morning worship on tape to shut-ins were inaugurated.

In 1972, the constitution was updated and revised. The major areas of change were:

Establishment of a Board of Christian Missions
Youth representation on all Boards
Full implementation of the rotation principle on all Boards

During the year, the church covenant was also revised.

The use of church property was increased and groups including “The Gathering Place”, Senior Citizens, The Youth Development and Diversion Program, and Alcoholics Anonymous have been the church’s welcomed guests.

In 1975, Rev. David W. Buzzell, the church’s associate Pastor serving for 16 years retired. Rev. Buzzell was in the Christian ministry for 45 years. A large farewell reception was held in his honor at the Judson Chapel, attended by many people he had served in church, the city, and the Baptist denomination in the community. Jeffrey P. Johnson, a former seminarian in training in the church was called as his successor.

During the Vietnam war, the church under the supervision of the Board of Missions, helped resettle a Vietnamese family in Malden. Both material support and spiritual care were offered.

In 1977, Rev. Dr. George Sinclair tendered his resignation in order to accept a position in Andover Newton Theological School faculty. Our associate Pastor, Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, ably assumed the position of leadership, as a Pastoral Search Committee again rose into action.

On October 2, 1977, Miss Joy Alderman was ordained into the Christian Ministry in our Sanctuary. During her sixteen years as Minister of Visitation, she touched many lives in the church family. On February, 1979, Rev. Alderman decided to leave the church ministry. She was surrounded by the love and support as the church gathered at a farewell tea in Fuller Hall to wish her Godspeed.

On October 3, 1977, in answer to the church’s call, Rev. Dr. George H. Tooze, Jr. from Beverly First Church, began his pastorate. His enthusiasm was contagious and soon an air of excitement could be felt. It was felt on that snowy Sunday morning in February of 1978 when, after the worst blizzard in over 50 years paralyzed the Northeast. Even then, more than 80 hearty souls walked as many as 6 miles to church, found the doors opened and a worship service awaiting them. It was felt in the rhythm of the hammers and saws of the workmen as they painted, repointed, and repaired the building, restoring soundness to its majestic beauty. It was felt in the revitalized “Witness”, and was felt as the 175th Anniversary Committee sat down on May of 1978 to form a plan to have a year of celebration in honor of the 175th Church Birthday.

On October 1, 1978, it was Homecoming Sunday. Old friends and new swelled the congregation to 368 as the Sanctuary was filled with hymns of praise and thanksgiving. At the dinner afterwards, with a spirit of fellowship and joy-filled Social Hall, an auspicious beginning was hoped for. In November, all good things came together when the Annual Church Fair became The Birthday Fair. It was the greatest fair ever, highlighted by a lovely birthday tea in Fuller Hall.

The Heritage Sunday was celebrated by paying homage to our forebears, in thanksgiving tradition that they had passed to us. Many of the congregation close to 500 attended in 1803 costumes, some even arriving by horse drawn carriage. The service followed closely the order of the services of 1803, beginning with a procession led by the Beedle carrying the original Pulpit bible. Choir and musical instruments were not included in worship services at that time, so our congregation sang their praise as in days of old, following a leader who “lined” the Psalms. Tithing-men kept the congregants attentive with a tap of the knob end of a long rod for the men or a feathered tickle for the drowsing ladies. The Reverend Brother Tooze brought a special message, a condensed version of a sermon preached in 1803 by Samuel Stillman.

The 1980’s

Rev. Robert G. Middleton-Interim (1983-1984)
Rev. Dr. David M. Kilpatrick (1984-1995)

In 1984, the church called the Rev. Dr. David M. Kilpatrick as its next pastor. During his pastorate, the mission board supported numerous community agencies to help reach some of the needs of our neighbors. We worked with Tri-City Housing Task Force as it created a shelter for homeless families and Bread of Life as it provided evening meals at St. Paul’s Parish. In the early 1990’s we began hosting the evening meal every Friday and housing Bread of Life’s food pantry in the Parish House. For several years, our youth made an annual winter trip to volunteer with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate to provide affordable housing. In 1992 we became a covenant church with the Habitat for Humanity affiliate on the North Shore. Over these years, our church has also hosted a Haitian Baptist Church, a Mennonite Chinese church, and presently hosts a Spanish-speaking South American congregation in our Parish House.

Many renovations took place in the 1980’s. The Theomathea Classroom and library were completely gutted and transformed into our beautiful church parlor and kitchen. Two handicap-accessible bathrooms were created, and a ramp and automatic door were installed from the parking lot, enabling all to attend church functions. In 1989, it was decided to rent much of the basement of the church and the lower two floor of the Parish House to a new Daycare center. This provides needed revenue for the church and desperately needed quality care for infants through preschoolers.

In 1989, our Associate Pastor Paul Davis resigned in order to take a position as Chaplain with Habitat for Humanity in Georgia. Miss Martha Dominy was then called as the new associate pastor. Miss Dominy had received her Master of Divinity degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and Master of Arts degree in Christian Education from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Illinois.

The 1990’s

Rev. Martha A. Dominy (1989-2021)

On May 20, 1990 in a rededication service, the church opened the 1890 box that was sealed behind the church cornerstone. New items were placed in the time capsule and the old items were examined and placed in the Corey Room.

Music has always been an important part of the church. In 1990, a new children’s choir was formed and a subsequent handbell choir for youth, using a set of 63 Schulmerich handbells. The Singing Angels and Ringing Halos provided special music in our worship services and presented concerts at other churches and community events. Our sanctuary choir is also one of the finest in the area with four paid section leaders a soloists. Musical programs include cantatas, a city-wide Carol Festival at Christmas and pops concerts.

In 1995, Dr. Kilpatrick resigned, and the church called its Associate Pastor Martha Dominy to serve as acting Pastor, while the church searched for its next pastor. In 1997, the church called and installed Rev. Martha Dominy as its permanent Pastor. A dual celebration was held on April 20, 1997, as the church ordained Martha Dominy and installed her as the first female Senior Pastor. This change allowed us to sell the Hawthorne Street parsonage, while keeping the Wesmur Road house as the parsonage.

In 1998, new By-laws were passed, including a name change from the Women’s Society to the American Baptist Women’s Ministries. Today, the women continue to meet in groups, such as Q and Y for both social and hands-on mission projects and join together with other Baptist women for ABWM meetings. They also attend and are active in regional and association meetings. The women no longer meet at 2 p.m. sewing, 4 p.m. for business, 6 p.m. for dinner and 7 p.m. for a meeting as they did in 1897. However, they do continue the White Cross program and the Love Gift program. The latter was started in the depression years to give “over the above the tithe” mission dollars for the denomination. The Christmas Tea has become an annual social occasion, as well as the April Shower which is a mission event. The All-Church Fair in the fall continues to be a major fund raiser, as well as a day for community outreach. The women also continue to meet in Sunday School Class, the Clarke Fellowship with Phyllis Knight as the teacher.

Men long enjoyed a Morse Brotherhood Class which met in Fuller Hall. However, in recent years this group disbanded, and the Men and Boy’s Breakfast Group was formed. This group meets monthly for a Sunday breakfast and a program.

After many years of water damage, the bell tower was found to be in danger of collapsing. This repair requires an expenditure of about $250,000. A capital campaign raised about $70,000 and the funds from the sale of the Hawthorne Street property allowed us to avoid taking money from the invested funds. The finished bell tower was rededicated on December 19, 1999.

In 1999, First Baptist Church of Malden began thinking about its 200th anniversary in 2003. For the 200th birthday parade, our church designed and built a float celebrating the birthplace and life of Adoniram Judson, the first Christian Missionary to Burma. We realize that we have much in common. Today, our church reflects the changes taking place in the city. We have a growing number of members who immigrated to this country and have made Malden their home. As the city anticipates growth from new industries moving into the city, we look forward to new and broader ministries with our neighbors.

As we entered the 21st century, and our second century, we are embracing new technology. Much of the office work and bookkeeper’s record are computerized. The church also maintains a website and an online edition of the newsletter. Now, as the year 2003 comes to a close, we, as a church, again pause to reflect on the past and draw strength and satisfaction from the lessons and faith it has bequeathed us. We greet 2004 hopefully, knowing that the future will be as enriching and fulfilling as we make it. We cannot rest on our laurels, thus we chose as our motto for the 200th Anniversary Celebration, “We Know our Past, God Leads our Future.” And to that we each add our “Amen”. May God, who has abundantly blessed us in the past continue to guide our footsteps as we look to the future.