Campaign for
FBCJP and The Centre for Faith, Art & Justice

First Baptist is launching a $4.5 million fundraising campaign to complete the Church’s resurrection from the devastating fire of 2005 and restore its magnificent second floor cathedral hall sanctuary. This 6,000 sq. ft. expanse, with its vaulted ceiling, massive stone arch, and sundrenched nave, is an awe-inspiring space that promises to be a spiritual and community home for dozens of community groups and thousands of JP and Boston residents.

Restoration of the second floor will also enable the Church to replace the pre-Civil War pipe organ that was destroyed in the fire. The organ was among the best preserved in the nation and was built in 1859 by E. & G.G. Hook of Jamaica Plain – one of the greatest organ builders of its time. Another timeless Hook organ built in 1872 has been acquired by the Church, but it is stored in pieces
awaiting its assembly in the finished cathedral hall.


Our Goal!

This ambitious project for the Jamaica Plain and First Baptist communities seeks to build on the spirited generosity of
local philanthropists and institutions. The three stages for use of campaign funds are:

Gain public access to the second-floor great hall by building an elevator, secure stairways and passages.

Breathe life into the “bones” of this grand space using contemporary, green and flexible design to maximize its wide range of uses.

Reconstruct and install the exceptional 1872 Hook & Hastings organ which the Church owns and will use to delight and inspire audiences, artists, and worshipers for generations to come.

All funds raised through this effort will be deposited into a dedicated account, and will be tracked, accounted for, managed,
and spent with complete transparency by a select Church committee.
The Church is working closely with the professional fundraising consultancy Copley Raff of Newton to execute this campaign.

You Can Make a Difference

FBCJP and The Centre for Faith, Art & Justice are together a special place for the faithful and a hospitable place for the marginalized
and all who work to make the world a better place. The Church building and service through The Centre has been, and promises to be,
the JP nexus for arts, faith, culture, education and social justice.

We invite you to visit the Church and to tour the second-floor cathedral space
so you can fully appreciate the possibilities and awesomeness of what can be….

Thank you for your interest in this important effort.
We appreciate your willingness to meet with a member of the Church Campaign team
to discuss your role in creating this glorious, vibrant and enduring community gathering place.

If you would like to make a multi-year pledge or donate securities, please call
Pastor Ashlee Wiest-Laird at 617-524-3992