Central Baptist Church
115 Elm Street
Westfield, MA 01085
Phone: 413-568-0429
Email: Click Here
Pastor; Reverend Linda Shaw,
M. Div., M.Ed.
Sunday Schedule:
9:15 A.M. Children's Choir Practice
9:30 A.M. Sunday School
for ages 2 to adult
10:45 A.M. Worship Service
Wednesday Schedule:
11:00 A.M. Bible Study Fellowship
7:00 P.M. Vocal Choir
7:30 P.M. AA Meeting
Thursday Schedule:
10:00 A.M. W.I.T.S Meeting
For more detailed events check our
Calendar & Newsletter!
Handicap accessible
more info
Transporation available
more info
Coffee Hour more info
Nursery Care more info
TABCOM Camping
† Youth and family
Christian summer camps
and retreat weekends.
Grotonwood
Oceanwood
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† History of Central Baptist Church
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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