Perhaps you’ve noticed the tall spire of the First Baptist Church of Malden. It stands as a testament to a long and vibrant history. The First Baptist Church of Malden was established December 27 1803. Delegates from Baptist Churches in Boston Beverly and Newton gathered. They met in the Faulkner Barn for worship. Dr. Samuel Stillman from Boston preached the recognition sermon. His text came from I Chronicles 29:5. It asked who was willing to consecrate his service to the Lord. Fifty-two members formed the church including Pastor Rev. Henry Pottle. They were extended fellowship by Rev. T. Baldwin of Boston.
Early baptisms took place at Three Mile Brook near the Old City Hall site. People often met at Hills Tavern across the street before and after services. They sought warmth there. The cold weather did not stop these baptisms. Sometimes thick ice had to be chopped away.
The first Lord’s Supper happened in Faulkner’s Barn in January 1804. Samuel Waite and Samuel Wheeler served as deacons. Communion vessels cost seventeen dollars and seventeen cents. Errant members faced discipline. They were denied participation at the Lord’s table.
The First Meeting House was built and dedicated in September 1804. Francis Philips donated the land on Salem Street. Dr. T. Baldwin of Boston preached at the dedication. His text was “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” People described the building as an uncouth barn. It had immense windows and a squat belfry. A bell rang curfew at nine o’clock.
Reverend Henry Pottle served until 1806. Rev. William Bentley replaced him for one year. From 1807 to 1815 the church lacked pastoral leadership. Church Elders ably ministered to the congregation. Rev. Samuel Wydown also briefly ministered there.
In 1816 Rev. Ebenezer Nelson from South Reading answered the call. He was of below middle structure wearing a wig. He also wore knee and shoe buckles. People found him sociable and fond of humor. He stayed for eight years and added 25 members.
The First Baptist Church of Malden founded one of the earliest Sunday schools in Massachusetts. This was under Rev. Nelson’s leadership. In 1820, the church became a corporation. It could hold property worth twenty thousand dollars. It could also lease or sell pews.
In 1824, Rev. Nelson created a problem. The church requested he withdraw his pastoral care. He became ill three days later. The matter was dropped out of consideration for his affliction. Rev. Nelson served until 1824. He died in May 1825. Rev. John Cookson became the new Pastor. He served only one year from 1824 to 1825. He authored the first Church Covenant. In 1827, a choir was formed under Rev. J. N. Brown.
In 1832, under Rev. Avery Briggs, a new choir loft was built. A dome and belfry were added. This accommodated the bell’s weight. The Meeting House was shingled and painted. A Chapel was added. In 1840, Rev. Nathaniel Williams became Pastor. A building committee planned a new Meeting House. The current building was nearly 40 years old and dilapidated. The committee bought land at Main and Salem Streets for two thousand dollars. They erected the Second Meeting House for no more than eight thousand dollars.
The final worship in the First Meeting House rededicated spiritual values. A brass band speeches and memories bid farewell to the building. The Second House of Worship was dedicated February 22 1843. The location was Main and Salem Streets.
Tragedy struck March 3 1855. Fire destroyed the second House of Worship. It was only 12 years old. Rev. William Stubbbert was the Pastor. Plans moved quickly. A Third House of Worship was built on the same site in 1856. It included a Baptistry. Construction cost about twelve thousand dollars.
In 1862, fire damaged the walls of the Third House of Worship. Rev. Daniel W. Faunce was Pastor. The Sanctuary Pulpit and Bible were saved. Rebuilding was hard during the Civil War. The church rented the Town Hall for Sunday meetings. Two fires destroyed two Houses of Worship in seven years.
Insurance money and fundraising financed the Fourth House of Worship. Mr. James Osgood of Maine won the contract for over eleven thousand dollars. The building was large with a tall spire. It sat back from Salem Street with a circular driveway. The pulpit was on the north wall. The baptistry was under the platform. The organ and choir loft were at the front left. A balcony ran along the rear. The pastor’s study was to the right of the pulpit. The vestry was near the front. Soon after the Civil War the first Parsonage was built on Main Street. It was on the site of the present Parish House.
Thus stands the First Baptist Church of Malden. It is a testament to resilience. It is a landmark of faith in this community.