About Us

History

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After packing their possessions and two young children into the family car, Founding Pastor Thomas Michael and wife Marilyn left their home in Chicago and ventured out by faith to Massachusetts. Travel was slow due to a fuel shortage in January, 1974. No one was allowed to purchase more than a few gallons at a time making it necessary to refuel at almost every exit. Along the way, they stopped at several churches and shared their burden for starting a Baptist church in Massachusetts. With some financial support from these churches as well as from family and friends, the Michaels arrived in the Boston area. Medford was chosen due to an available apartment on Spring Street and its close proximity to Route 93.

Not knowing anyone in the area, Pastor Michael spent months knocking on doors, witnessing to people and inviting them to come to the new church. The first Bible study was held on February 11, 1974 with three visitors. On June 16, 1974 the church was officially formed with thirteen charter signing members. They soon outgrew their small living room meeting place and began renting a church building in Stoneham. Four years later, the church purchased our present building formerly the Mystic Congregational Church (circa 1875) in Medford Square.

necalogoIn September of 1976, New England Christian Academy opened its doors for the first time enrolling seven students. Today, New England Christian Academy continues to provide a Christ-centered education for the church’s youth.

Under the leadership of our pastor Joseph Hawkins, New England Baptist Church is still reaching the lost by personal soul-winning and supporting world missions. Pastor Michael is now our staff evangelist and has personally delivered Bibles and Gospel literature to many countries around the world including communist China, Cuba and Russia. Pastor and Mrs. Michael have seven children and 15 grandchildren.