When the coming railroad stimulated growth in the town of Needham, people saw a need for evangelistic preaching.  Deacon George Howland engaged Rev. Amos Webster who led the first services on September 24, 1854 in an old schoolhouse on Webster Street near Great Plain Avenue.  In October, thirty-three people signed a subscription paper for the building of a church and voted to form the First Baptist Society.  Building commenced and the church was opened for public worship in June 1855 upon the completion of the vestry. 

 

On April 27, 1856, the church voted to organize as a Regular Baptist church.  The church ecclesiastical council convened on June 11, 1856 to recognize the

members as the Needham Plain Baptist Church.  In 1888, the church was organized into a corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth and the name of the church was changed to “The First Baptist Church in Needham”.

 

In the fall of 1928, the church was moved from the corner of Great Plain and Highland Avenues to its current by two teams of horses.  This process took nearly one week to complete.  An enlarged and remodeled church building was dedicated on June 9, 1929.  The spire reached 125 feet and remains to this day the highest structure in the town.

Growth continued to fuel change in the church.  In the early 1930s, Andover Newton Theological School students were formally engaged to assist with ministerial responsibilities.  By the late 1950s, having outgrown our facilities, the church realized a pressing need for expansion.  The vision of an expanded ministerial facility was realized by the addition of a chapel, lounge, library, 11 classrooms and nursery in 1967.

 

As we reflect on our history, we note with pride that we have been committed to serving and ministering to this community since our founding.  Just as growth motivated our founding, growth continues to inspire us to love, lift and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.

Our History