Four names were in the running. Which one would it be? Dorchester Baptist Church? Dorchester Temple Baptist Church? Dorchester Temple Church? Or Temple Hall Baptist Church? It was November 8 1886. That was when the church was organized. It was incorporated as Dorchester Temple Baptist Church. The church started with 36 members. You are standing in front of Dorchester Temple Baptist Church. It stands at 670 Washington Street. The church is in Boston Massachusetts. But it is now known as Global Ministries Christian Church.
Dorchester Temple Baptist Church has a rich history. It shows the evolution of a community. The church’s story is one of faith transition and architectural beauty.
Let’s step back to the late 19th century. Codman Square was changing. It went from a rural area to a residential community around 1880. Streets were laid out and houses were built. People moved here from Boston’s South End and South Boston. Young businessmen came with their brides. The area became a prosperous community. By 1884 there was only one church building within two miles. It was the Second Congregational Church in the Square.
In November 1884 a group from Tremont Temple Baptist Church visited Dorchester. They inspected a new hall on Norfolk Street. Deacon George Chipman had built it. On March 8 1885 the hall was dedicated as a place of worship. A Sunday School was started. Regular services began. Dorchester Temple Baptist Church grew from that Sunday School. It was organized on November 8 1886.
Arthur H Vinal designed Dorchester Temple Baptist Church in 1889. His design reflects the late Victorian and Shingle styles. The church was added to the National Historic Register in 1998. Dorchester Temple is the oldest Baptist church building in Dorchester.
The church suffered some damage in the 1938 New England hurricane. But it was repaired.
The church has experienced many changes over the years. There was a revolving door of pastors and church members. But in recent times two pastors committed to staying. They wanted to help the church become spiritually strong. They wanted to spread the word. This began a new chapter.
One of those pastors is still with the church. He has a 25 year vision. Over the past 20 years the membership has changed. The church leaders have changed. The church’s by-laws were replaced with Guiding Principles. The exterior and interior have changed. A new vision and core values charted a new direction.
In January 2010 the church started a media ministry. It reached all of North America. It was called Boston Praise Radio. It was available online. It was also on Glorystar Satellite service. In 2016 the church began broadcasting on WBPG-LP 102.9 FM.
Dorchester Temple Baptist Church has transformed. It has embraced its mission. It has re-named itself to reflect its purpose. The name Global Ministries Christian Church speaks to its global reach. It emphasizes its role as ministers of reconciliation. The church aims to be a global church. It wants to reach out to anyone regardless of denomination.
Dorchester Temple Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith community and architectural beauty. Its history reflects the evolving landscape of Dorchester. It is a place where tradition meets transformation. Its doors are open to all. It is a beacon of hope in the heart of Boston.