A Short History
When it began, how it grew, what it is today Payson Park Church stands at the corner of Payson Road and Belmont Street, celebrating with joy and thanksgiving ninety-two years of life in this community.
It all began in 1913 with the rapid growth of population in the areas of Payson Park and Harvard Lawn in Belmont, and Windsor Park in Watertown. Many residents felt the need for a neighborhood Congregational Church. Fourteen men with faith, courage, and determination began organizing and planning to start a new church.
The first step was to establish regular worship services and to obtain local support. Therefore, on Sunday, March 23, 1913, a worship service was conducted by Rev. Samuel Bushnell in the Benton Chapel on Oakley Road (now the Benton Branch of the Belmont Public Library). One hundred and sixty people attended. After that, a meeting was held to which all residents of the community were invited. An organization with officers and committees was formed. Weekly worship services began the following Sunday under the ministry of Rev. William Macnair of the Prospect Street CongregationalChurch in Cambridge.
"A History of Payson Park Church 1913-1963," published for the 5Oth Anniversary celebration describes it well. "Subsequent events moved forward at an almost incredible pace. On April 13th, about thirty-five children attended the first session of the Sunday School; a house to house canvass enlisted new support; a Ladies' Aid Society and a Men's Club were formed; details of organization were painfully ironed out. The supporters of the enterprise worked so valiantly that within three months the original challenge had been met-the wisdom of establishing a church in Payson Park convincingly demonstrated.
Formal recognition was granted by a Congregational Ecclesiastical Council on June 3rd, and seventy two charter members thirty-one men and forty-one women, representing five different denominations were received by Mr. Macnair. Thus, through spontaneous efforts of farsighted, courageous laymen, our church came into being."
For three years the church continued to worship in the Benton Chapel." A Building Committee, and a Building Fund Committee were elected and fund-raising undertaken with zeal." Gifts and loan from individuals and the Congregational Union, the Old South Society, and the Congregational Church Building Society provided the funds. And so our church was built. The cornerstone was laid on October 10, 1915. The first service was held in the new building on March 26, 1916. Three years later, on January 5, 1919, Payson Park Church was dedicated with great rejoicing.
As its membership grew, the Parish House was added (1929-1930) to accommodate the Sunday School and many activities of a burgeoning congregation. Records of the past are preserved in the Archives to read and remember. In the sanctuary and throughout the building there are significant memorial gifts to remind us of the devoted and caring members who inspired them. The Endowment Fund was established and has grown through generous gifts from members and friends. It provides an annual income which helps support the current expenses and mission gifts.
Today, as in the past, Christian Education is an important part of our church. A curriculum using a Rotation Workshop Model, "God's Garden - Growing in Faith," is now in the Sunday School. It offers children an active, creative learning experience. There are fellowship groups for the Junior and Senior High youth which focus on service projects as well as recreational activities. Study Groups for Adults are scheduled throughout the year. The Payson Park Nursery School, established in 1988, has become a well known part of the community, offering a high quality program for young children. It is in session Monday through Friday during the school year.
The Music Program continues in the tradition of excellence inherited from the past. Under the direction of our Minister of Music, music of great variety enhances our worship services with offerings by both the Adult and Children's Choirs, organist, and other instrumentalists. The Payson Park Church Music Series offers a variety of programs performed by musicians from our church and from the wider community.
The Crafty Ladies meet weekly
to enjoy fellowship and work on projects such as knitting prayer shawls for people in hospice care.
Over the past ninety-two years, our church has nourished and
supported missions through monetary gifts and active involvement
in projects. Currently these include providing meals and sandwiches
for Bristol Lodge, collecting food for the Belmont Food Pantry, making
items for Church World Service and Seafarer's Friend. Mission
Trips are scheduled for youth and adults which take them to sites
where they work with local residents on community projects.
A Youth Group for high school students meets monthly with our Pastor.
Another form of community outreach is sharing our facilities with various groups - The Belmont Dramatic Club's rehearsals and plays, Boston Classical Orchestra rehearsals, Powers Music School Open Readings, Performathons, concerts, and classes, Scottish Dancers, Ha'penny and Red Herring Morris Dancers, Family Yoga, and Kidspace.
Payson Park Church is a democratic, congregational church, which belongs to the United Church of Christ. Its greatest strength is a Ministry shared by our Pastor and congregation who unite in worship, learning, caring, and service to others. Payson Park Church values every member and offers a loving welcome to all who seek a church home. This community of Christian faith grew from the best of its past and the creative innovations of the present. Its future offers us a challenge, a responsibility, and a joy as we work to build it together.
"Rejoice in the Lord" and "Love Never Faileth," the words carved over the outside doors, still speak as clearly to us now as they did to those who placed them there many years ago.
Nancy B. Slavinsky