History

The Congregational Church of West Medford began in the mid-1860's in the home of Rachel Barnes, wife of Henry Barnes, when children in the area requested she teach them Bible stories.

By 1872 a church was built on the corner of Harvard and Bower streets (site of the current West Medford Fire Station) to provide a worship space for all the families who had become a part of the gathering that started in the Barnes home.

In 1903 the first church burned and the current church was built, and completed in 1904, on land given by the Barnes family. The church continued to grow and in 1954 an addition was completed that would provide more classrooms and fellowship space.

There are many stories of individuals and families who have been a part of the history of this church. We continue in the tradition of Rachel Barnes and founding members – seeking to know more about the stories of our faith tradition and how they impact our lives today.

A Timeline of The Congregational Church of West Medford

1864 - Rachael Barnes starts a Sabbath School for children in her home.
1872 - On February 26, 20 prominent citizens consider forming church.
1872 - West Medford Congregational Society is organized with 26 members on June 12. The first worship service is offered immediately afterwards.
1873 - The society numbers 40, calls its first pastor, Rev. Edwin Jagger, and lays cornerstone for first house of worship at the corner of Harvard Ave. and Bower Str. First service in new vestry held on May 10.
1874 - On October 14 the building is dedicated second pastor, Rev. Marshall Cutter, is installed.
1876 - On petition of Ladies Bible Reading Society, use of wine for Communion is discontinued on April 29 in favor of grape juice (continues to this day).
1882 - Installation of third pastor, Rev. Edward Hood.
1886 - Jubilee celebration for paying off debts is held in February.
1887 - A Hutchins pipe organ is installed and first used on February 6.
1889 - Installation of fourth pastor, Rev. Herbart Stebbens.
1894 - Congregation numbers 125 with 381 enrolled in Sunday School.
1895 - Rev. Stebbens is dismissed because his sermons tended to lean toward liberalism and in spite of strong growth.
1896 - Installation of fifth pastor, Rev. Judson Van Clancy.
1897 - Henry Barnes offers to purchase land for the Society on the corner of Allston and High Streets.
1897 - Women’s groups combine to form the Women’s League.
1899 - City of Medford requests to move fire bell to church steeple.
1903 - On March 4 fire completely destroys the church building. The congregation votes to build at 400 High Street.
1904 - Installation of sixth pastor, Rev. Burt York. On May 29 the cornerstone of the present building is laid.
1905 - In January the new house of worship is dedicated.
1912 - Installation of seventh pastor, Rev. Cyrus Richardson, for seven-months period. On Children’s Sunday in June a tablet is dedicated to Rachael Barnes.
1913 - Installation of Rev. Henry Francis Smith as eighth pastor.
1916 - On January 12 a meeting is held to incorporate The Congregational Church of West Medford under the laws of the Commonwealth.
1918 - A vote is taken to grant the minister a leave of absence to serve in France.
1927 - Fire destroys the front of the sanctuary.
1947 - Rev. Gordon Washburn is called as the ninth pastor.
1950 - Social action committee added to bylaws.
1954 - The Parish House is completed.
1961 - The congregation affiliates with the United Church of Christ.
1984 - Installation of Rev. F. Henry Dorran as 10th pastor.
1987 – Revs. Larry and Kathryn Titus installed as 11th pastor.
2000 - Funds raised through capital campaign.
2008 - Installation of 12th pastor, Rev. Steven T. Savides.
2009 - Congregation votes unanimously to become Open and Affirming.