The Historic Myrtle Baptist Church of West Newton
Nestled within one of Boston’s most beautiful garden suburbs is The Myrtle Baptist Church of West Newton, Massachusetts. Myrtle has always fostered a family, down-home, country feeling, where God is always present. A stable of the African American community for 145 years and a place of spiritual solace for anyone in need, the church has a distinguished history in the city. It has garnered a reputation, throughout the Boston area and beyond, as a dynamic church where “Love Abides”.
The very rich history of Myrtle Baptist Church began with Newton’s early black residents, several of whom made their home after relocating from the west end of Boston in the mid-1800s.
In 1873, records show that there were 130 blacks living in the City of Newton. First Baptist Church, now Lincoln Park Baptist Church, became their first spiritual home, some having been members since 1869. Nonetheless, feeling the need to worship in their own tradition and the freedom to sit in the front of the church as well as in the rear, they were encouraged to separate, “not with feelings of of unkindness toward our white brethren but simply for the best good of all concerned.” As a result, Tomas Johnson opened his home to like-minded neighbors, inviting them to worship with him in the old way. According to an article written by a former pastor of Myrtle, the Reverend Wade Ryan, it was “as if by divine appointment,” Deacon Thomas met Reverend Edmund Kelley in Charlestown. Kelley purportedly asked, “Don’t you people want a church in Newton?’ In response, Deacon Thomas invited him to preach to the small group. Reverend Kelley organized them into a society and remained pastor from 1874 to 1876.
As a church steeped in the African American Church tradition, Myrtle possesses a warm and welcoming spirit that visitors feel the moment they enter our beautiful, yet modest, main nave. It continues through the worship service and lasts until the final sip of punch at collation. We feel that it is not accidental when you enter our doors. God and Jesus make no mistakes. Therefore, we believe that you have come to Myrtle for a reason and, eventually, the reason will be revealed.
Our church is blessed with some of the most generous souls and brightest minds in the area, crossing multiple sociological, racial and economic lines. From media expert to medical doctor, janitor to teacher, or attorney to day care provider — we come together and worship our God as one, not judging nor condemning. Relying on Jesus, working and worshiping together are the foundations of our success and longevity as a church family.
The spiritual growth and nurturing of our youngest members is front and center in our regular service. Our youth ministry seeks to respond to the needs of young people, assist in the development of emerging leaders, and promote their healthy development and faith growth by providing a variety of opportunities and experiences to draw youth into active, responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the greater church. We are especially proud of our Sunday School, which boasts about 100 children and adults. Dedicated teachers employ traditional and novel methods of engaging all youth, our tentative toddlers through busy teens. Every week they live out our goal of providing religious education to future generations.
We are blessed to have several choirs, which are well known throughout the Boston area. Their heavenly sounds make it very hard not to move your feet and clap your hands during service. Our music ministry leaders have earned degrees and fine reputations within professional music and religious communities. Recently, some of our musicians and singers spearheaded a state-wide conference on the origins and history of African American spirituals, signaling that Myrtle values both the spirit and substance of our religious practices.
Myrtle is a community of believers, led by the Word of God. We think of ourselves as selfless followers of Jesus Christ who truly care about one another. Another of our often repeated mottos is “God is Good, all the time. All the Time, God is good.” We use these words as a call and response between any speaker and the rest of the congregation. This back and forth is a perfect refrain for the black religious tradition that anchors our worship. We hold onto the simple truth of this message, which was constantly preached and demonstrated by our retiring pastor, as something familiar to bind us close. It will likely to be woven into the fabric of our expressions of faith and community for many years to come.
At Myrtle Baptist Church, the Church where Love Abides, we endeavor to encourage and support, without judgment or fear, all who wish to join with us in their walk with Christ. We wish to ensure and celebrate everyone’s ability to bring their entire selves to worship and to experience God’s love just as God has made them. Indeed, our history as a church points to the ethic of radical love that Jesus espoused.
In this spirit, we declare that ours is a Welcoming and Affirming church. No matter your economic status, race, color, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity, political persuasion, or gender expression…you are welcome here. You are embraced here. You are loved here.
The Myrtle Baptist Church of West Newton is called to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to maintain the worship of God, and to inspire in all persons a love for Christ, a passion for righteousness, and a consciousness of their duties to God and their fellow human beings. We pledge our lives to Christ and covenant with each other to demonstrate His Spirit through worship, witnessing, and ministry to the needs of the people of this church and our communities.
Come and visit us! Being accessible to people means that we focus on making sure that those who come to Myrtle are able to connect with God and community in a non-judgmental and lovingly transformative space.
