In 1871, the church split over an issue (no records on what) and the pastor and many active members left. Pressures over enough financial support led the congregation to rent pews (prices are still to be seen under the pew cushions). Electric lights were added in 1889. In 1888, the organizational meeting of the Westfield YMCA was held at Central Baptist Church.
Leonard Campbell was pastor from 1938 to 1950 and left to become editor of the Secret Place, our denomination’s meditation magazine.
Under Russell Wallace (1951-1971) a Christian Education building was added in 1959 to our facilities and the sanctuary was renovated (1963). Youth activities were an integral part of church life and expressed Reverend Wallace’s genuine interest in and love of children and youth. Participation was strongly encouraged, and the congregation responded.
Senior and Junior BYFs were very active during Reverend Wallace’s ministry. Youth participated in youth conferences at Camp Moses in Russell. Church picnics were big events during which Reverend Wallace pitched the softball games and joined in the swimming events. Another summer event was Daily Vacation Bible School which started during Reverend Wallace’s ministry and which was well attended by children, teachers, and parents. Some of the memorable fellowship activities established during Reverend Wallace's tenure that we continue to enjoy at Central Baptist Church are the annual Mother and Daughter banquet, Men's Palm Sunday breakfast, Boy Scout Troop 102 and youth camperships.
During Rev. Richard Painchaud's term, 1972-1990, the congregation participated in a number of mission projects such as sponsoring Vietnamese and Russian families and youth work visits to Bacone College in Oklahoma. In 1979, handbells were purchased and a choir was formed. Central Baptist Church was also very involved, and continues to be, with the TABCOM camping experience at Grotonwood and Oceanwood by attending youth and family summer camps and retreat weekends. Spiritual enrichment was enhanced through participating in the Billy Graham Crusades and Macedonian Ministries.
Bruce Pullen served from 1990-2002. During that time, Central Baptist Church continued its mission experience with a booth at the Taste of the World, in Westfield, and various skits by the Mission committee during Sunday morning worship services. The Caring Circle and Bible Book of the Month became popular study groups. Central Baptist Church also celebrated with the purchase and dedication of a grand piano for the sanctuary.
Associate Pastor, Marise Tuttle, joined Central Baptist Church in the fall of 1999-2002. Her work with the youth included a trip to the National Youth Conference in Colorado in the summer of 2000, Bowl-A-Thons for One Great Hour of Sharing, annual church proms, and youth lock-ins. Central Baptist Church was proud to host the ordination of Pastor Tuttle in October 2001.
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