Church History 1786-1973

Text in this font color was from the 1986 200^th Anniversary book with a more detailed history than the one written up in 1973.

The early stirrings of the East Brookfield Baptist Church were felt 225 years ago when traveling Baptist ministers preached here. During 40 years, until 1786 when it was decided by a group of 11 persons to establish and maintain a Baptist church in town, the flickering flame of interest was kept alive by this group and by visiting ministers and lay preachers. Ministers came from areas such as Woodstock, Connecticut and Sturbridge, Massachusetts, traveling over the poorest roads in all kinds of weather. Services were held in homes and barns.

The erection of a 32 x 40 ft meeting house in 1795, then at the Harrington St area, was a milestone in the life of the struggling church whose members were officially connected with the Woodstock Baptist Church and later with the Sturbridge Baptist Church.

On June 17, 1800 the First Baptist Society in Brookfield was incorporated (passed by the state legislature, recognizing the group as a separate religious society), and in 1815, the Rev. John Chase was engaged as the first full-time minister. The church grew in spiritual interest and membership. In the early 1830s, the Baptist Female Benevolent Sewing Society was organized. They made clothing for destitute children. They sent many barrels of clothing to Indian Missions in the West. It was during the pastorate of the Rev. J.H. Rickett that the present church building was erected and dedicated on March 4, 1840.

            During 1852-57, there was a decline of interest due to ill health and short term pastorates of the ministers. It was thought that it might be necessary to close the church, but with the coming of the Rev. H. Fittz, a missionary of the Massachusetts Baptist Convention, special services were held during April 1856 which resulted in renewed interest.

            In December of 1858, people met in the vestry for the first time. In August of 1859, the house of worship was raised up from its old foundation some 3 feet and a commodious room lighted each side.

            The parsonage was erected in 1870 and the Sunday School was organized by 1883. An organ was purchased in 1880 for $140 plus a freight charge of $1.67. The old melodeon was sold for $20. A revival under the ministry of the Rev. C.L. Holt in 1885 resulted in increased membership and regular Sunday evening services. In the late 1800s women’s names began to appear on committees.

            December 1, 1898 First Church Birthday Party. “A birthday gift for our dear Church, Each guests will wish to bring, Count up the years that you have lived, drop in as many cents…”

            October 29, 1900: 100^th Anniversary Celebration of the First Baptist Society

            In the early 1900’s discord and friction arose which resulted in a division of the church. The church was closed from 1903-1908.  It was not until 1921 that the breach was healed and the group which had broken away from the parent church disbanded and returned.

            September 8, 1929 George Upham, an East Brookfield resident, gave the gift of electric lights for our Church. During the pastorate of the Rev. Charles L. Hoffman the church became incorporated in 1930 as the East Brookfield Baptist Church. It had formerly been called the First Baptist Church of Brookfield, but since the east part of the town of Brookfield was officially incorporated as East Brookfield in 1920, the church changed its name. It joined a cooperative plan of pastoral services with the Spencer Baptist Church which continued until the Spencer church disbanded in 1935.

            November 3, 1937 Men of the church served a turkey supper, 240 people served at 50 cents per plate.

            The September 1938 hurricane wrought expensive damage to the interior of the church when the steeple was blown down. The building was condemned. On April 9, 1939 it was noted that Easter Sunday service was held in the repaired and redecorated Sanctuary.  It was repaired under the leadership of the Rev. Joseph A. Sisk and a new velvet curtain and chancel cross were dedicated in memory to the Rev. W.T. Rice and the Rev. C. L. Hoffman, former pastors.

            March and April 1947- the organ in the Sanctuary was purchased and dedicated.

            Summer 1949- the first V.B.S. (Vacation Bible School) was held

            January 1960- Church Constitution change: voted to elect 3 deaconesses

            During the pastorate of the Rev. A. Arthur Wild, there was continued spiritual growth as reflected in a growing Sunday School attendance, church activities, and service. Planning had begun for an education building.

            When the Rev. Howard A. Krueger became pastor in April 1963, the church was encouraged to make its dream and vision of an education building a reality. The new education building, costing approximately $40,000, was dedicated on May 2, 1965. Also in the spring of 1965 was the development of the Lakeside area- a place of beauty used for worship, study, baptisms, weddings, and more.

            The church has grown to a financially self-supporting status, increased its current expense, missions, and building budget, and has made several renovations. In May of 1973, a Service of Celebration was held and the mortgage burned. The Sunday School enrollment and attendance have increased with year-round sessions. A major organizational restructuring has helped the congregation to further develop leadership and Christian service.

            Some of the special ministries that have been established are the summer Lakeside services, Sunday evening Supper ‘N Sings, missionary conferences, home Bible studies, special evangelistic services and occasional Ecumenical services.

            By the grace of God, the church prays that it shall continue to grow in spiritual life and ministry in the years ahead.

            From 1975-1980, the church sponsored two Vietnamese Refugee families until they resettled in California.

            November 1977- Voted to purchase Hebert and Elder properties

            December 1979- Ground-breaking ceremonies

            April 1981- Dedication Sunday

            1982- Vestry renovation project for Sunday School classrooms. Dedicated as Cheney Christian Education Center.

            1983- Shepherding Teams. Visiting Groups needed because of Church growth.

*The 1986 book has even more information! It details information on the bell, on the renting of pews in the late 1800s, the continued involvement and importance of women in the church and how their roles changed over time, more on building renovations and repairs, etc. It was far too much to be included here, but highlights have been added.

* There is another small booklet covering 1987-1996. It has a page or two per year. (Again, too much to include here.)

The history of the church for the most recent 30-year period (1996-present day) still needs to be gathered and condensed. Once the abbreviated version is compiled from various documents, it will be added here. If you have an interest in history and would like to volunteer to help with this project, please reach out to the Church Office!