Fifty years ago a young Rick Floyd walked down the Andover Newton hill. He took the MBTA to Newton Highlands for a job interview. The job? Running a coffee house at the Newton Highlands Congregational Church. This wasn’t just any coffee house. It was a hub of community a place where faith and fellowship brewed alongside the coffee.
The Newton Highlands Congregational Church wasn’t just a building it was a cornerstone of the community. It served as a meeting place for countless souls. It was a place where young people like Rick Floyd found their path. It was a space where lives intertwined where faith was nurtured and community blossomed.
The church hosted more than just Sunday services. It provided a space for a coffee house. This coffee house became an unexpected launching pad for Rick Floyd’s ministry. He later recalled the “radical hospitality” of the associate pastor Jerry Handspicker and his family. The Handspickers embodied welcoming inclusivity and fostered a strong sense of belonging. Their home even briefly housed young Floyd in the attic a testament to their open-heartedness.
Rick Floyd’s ordination took place at the Newton Highlands Congregational Church. This event wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a culmination of years of spiritual growth. It was a testament to the supportive and nurturing atmosphere of the church. The service included hymns like “Holy holy holy” and “Be Thou My Vision”. The ordaining prayer felt weighty a responsibility that has never entirely left Floyd’s heart.
The Newton Highlands Congregational Church stands as a symbol of enduring faith. It continues to be a sanctuary for the community. It’s a place where people connect. It’s a place where spirituality deepens. It’s a place where the seeds of ministry are sown and where lives are enriched. The legacy of the church includes a rich history. It also includes a community-centered approach to faith. It offers a place for reflection growth and connection for all who step through its doors. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and fellowship.