First Baptist Church of Wakefield, Wakefield, MA

First Baptist Church of Wakefield, Wakefield, 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

Perhaps due to its size, height, and prominent location across from the upper common, First Baptist Church of Wakefield is certainly one of the defining pieces of architecture in the community. The building gives the town the text book appearance of the quaint New England village which persists amidst all of the modernization past and current in Wakefield.

The first meeting house of what which would eventually evolve into First Baptist, was constructed in 1800 after various community members with Baptist leanings began to organize in what was then known as South Reading. At this time, this group of people was considered a branch of the Woburn Baptist Church. With growth the organization expanded to a new site on Main St. in 1820, and soon a Baptist school as well. New meeting houses came and went with size or occasionally fires being the catalyst for change. In 1873 the current structure was built, at great cost incurring a substantial debt that wasn't paid off for a decade. 

The building remains grand today however it did not escape the trend of vinyl siding of decades past. Currently a large window is being repaired in the stunning bell tower.

Beautiful woodwork above the doors, and the patriotic wreaths on the red doors are a nice touch.

The Congregation

I was greeted by a deacon who told me briefly about his 55 year history in Wakefield. He also briefly caught me up about how Rev. Dr. Norman B. Bendroth is an Interim Pastor as the prior pastor of 27 years recently retired. Several others welcomed me over the course of my visit, and I exchanged a few words with Rev. Bendroth prior to leaving, thanking him for an interesting Sermon. Announcements of activities, a full bulletin, and a coffee hour in the lower part of the church all demonstrate an active community.

I had difficulty getting the church in the photo considering how tall it is. Note the work ongoing.

The Service

The service included a talented choir and organist/pianist. The service included a welcome and announcements, as well as prayers for others including congregants or their relations. Acts 17:21-31 was read with an emphasis on: 

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else." 

Romans 12:1-2 was also read, and the line: 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," 

ties into Rev. Bendroth's sermon Adaptive Churches in a Changing World. The point being that people need to live Christ's message and it doesn't need the rigid conformity that a church may have historically brought. Rev. Norman Bendroth spoke about how culture has changed, that people used to be obliged to go to church. He framed this with a concept called American Civil Religion, an idea that there was common faith that bound most Americans historically outside of their denominations, and the implication is almost that it was to a degree, superficial. He referenced a Dwight Eisenhower quote, that speaks to an idea that religious devotion in the past was almost non-personal or sterile. Eisenhower said:

"Our government has no sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith, and I don’t care what it is." 

In today's culture there is not such an obligation and therefore people that go, often do so for a spiritual connection, for deeper meaning, because they are searching, or because they need something to help them cope with a problem. As a consequence to different motivations, to different cultural makeup, to different common generational perceptions the church needs to evolve to remain relevant. Rev. Bendroth said it was a great opportunity to re-envision what the church could be for people. 

Despite the vinyl covering the building, they did manage to keep some of the crown, and the trim around the large stained glass windows exposed.

The sanctuary. The medallions in the side ceiling panels are interesting features. The organ was played extensively and sounds beautiful.

Outreach

FBC of Wakefield is involved in various community outreach activities. Their website has a specific page on such activities which include sponsoring The Shepherd's Table a food kitchen for those in need, working with Mission of Deeds which provides goods to those in need, assisting the Sefarer's Friend which helps those who work in the maritime community, and the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. Additionally the church provides information about international missionary opportunities which beyond evangelism engage in assistance/support to individuals such as refugees or victims of human trafficking. Other such work abroad is discussed on a dedicated web page on the FBC site.

FBC of Wakefield also provides its congregants social outlets, whether it is through church supporting activities, or luncheons and various other events. 

The church has also rented space to other non-profits. I've participated in helping the Beebe Library set up their fundraiser at FBC in the lower level in past years to help raise money for the library through a book sale. 

Note the divided family pews have not been removed from this church as they have been in many others

This marble faced clock on the balcony still appears to be keeping time.

Not the best picture, you need to climb up stairs to enter the sanctuary which flank to the left and right of the entrance. There is an elevator for those who may need one.

Conclusion

We pass by beautiful buildings like FBC of Wakefield often taking for granted the dynamic community within that works unnoticed contributing to surrounding areas, but also beyond its borders.

Text and photographs by George Parks

Sources are embedded in links