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On a bitter cold, evening in January 2005, a fire broke out in the furnace of the historic First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain. It quickly spread up the walls to the roof. Despite the heroic efforts of Boston firefighters, the building was destroyed. All that remained were the outer walls and the grand steeple, with the charred timbers, pews, and pre-civil war E. & G.G. Hook organ ruined beyond recognition. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze.
Encased by ice in the frigid temperatures, the water-soaked remains sparkled eerily as members of the congregation surveyed the damaged. Remarkably, the Book of Remembrance, a record of the history of the church carefully kept for half a century, survived, soaked through but intact. The First Baptist Church, however, was suddenly without a home.
The shocking loss of this landmark structure in the heart of Jamaica Plain led to a tremendous outpouring of concern from people throughout the region and the country. Buoyed by this generous support, the congregation resolved to rebuild.
The location of The First Baptist Church offers the congregation a unique opportunity to serve a diverse, cosmopolitan neighborhood, providing not only a sanctuary for Christian worship but also a gathering place for community events, local artists and groups working for social justice. It is a place where church and community, faith and activism, need and hope can come together. Rebuilding will enable the congregation to live out its inclusive mission as a Christian community of many cultures, united in one faith.
The First Baptist Church is asking every member and friend to make an investment in this critical project. In addition, the church is looking to the larger community to join in supporting the restoration of this landmark structure. The church has been a significant presence on Centre Street and has a long history of supporting the needs of the neighborhood. A joint congregational and community effort is vital to restore this important building at the crossroads of Jamaica Plain. This will allow many current and future residents to benefit from the church's continued presence and service to the community. A capital campaign to raise $2.2 million is underway to fund Phase 1 of the project. Spearheaded by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to the restoration of First Baptist Church JP the campaign is seeking multi-year financial pledges to make these plans a reality.