Church in the Acres in Springfield, MA | Culture & Religion

Church in the Acres
Welcome to Church in the Acres.Organized and Incorporated – July 18, 1958. On May 13, 1811 the First Baptist Church of Springfield was organized with nineteen members. For ten years they met in private homes and in the schoolhouse in the vicinity of the Watershops where most of the members lived. Finally, in 1821 when the membership had increased to thirty in spite of the bitter opposition of Dr. Samuel Osgood, the pastor of Old First Church in Court Square, which for almost 200 years had been the only church and had wielded great influence in town affairs, a lot was purchased at the southeast corner of Central Street and Cherry Lane. A plain wooden building, 26 feet by 30 feet, was erected on this lot. The story is told that the surveyors were members of the Court Square church and did their work at night so that it would not be discovered that they were working for the Baptists.
During the ministry of Rev. David C. OТBrien (1985 - 1998), the Church revived its original dream of continued growth by building a sanctuary, leaving the original building solely dedicated for Christian education, fellowship and community service. A Church Development Committee surveyed the community and Church life and developed a program guide for the 1990Тs. An architectural firm was selected in 1987, and a Church Building Committee was established. While this committee analyzed four to five building design concepts, a successful capital funds campaign was planned and conducted in 1990. Construction of the $900,000 expansion project was started in 1991 and was completed in 1992. The approximately 8,000 square foot addition contains a permanent sanctuary, offices, library and other supporting spaces. Money from the capital campaign, sale of 61/2 acres of the original 13 acres of land to Western New England College and use of accumulated endowments allowed the Church to pay all building expenses in 1993. Significant increase in Sunday service attendance in began 1991 and has continued, due partially to the new sanctuary.
Rev. Daniel J. Nicewonger began his pastorate with us on November 29, 1999. Since that time we have sought to refocus on the churchs original vision of being a church with a vision for the community.
On January 11, 2004 Church in the Acres entered into expanded worship ministry by adding a second Sunday service which is prepared and led by our Praise and Worship Team. In November of 2004 Pastor Gregory Dyson joined our ministry staff as Minister of Christian Education, with a focus on our youth program.
Call us at
413-782-2577