In October 1874, as the region’s Black population increased with post-Civil War migration to Boston, Black families in West Newton launched their own church, Myrtle Baptist Church.
Named for the small evergreen flowering tree that withstands all kinds of weather, Myrtle Baptist has stood as a place of worship through two world wars, a Depression, multiple civil rights movements and the extension of the Massachusetts Turnpike through its predominantly Black neighborhood.
“Our rich history, deeply intertwined with the community, begins with Newton’s early Black residents, many formerly enslaved, who made the city their home after relocating from Boston’s West End to Newton in the mid-1800’s,” Myrtle Baptist Church Historian Katy Haywood said.
Now, the historic church is inviting the public to come celebrate its 150th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration this month.
The festivities will start on Saturday, Oct. 26, at noon with a banquet at Venezia Restaurant in Boston. Rev. Dr. Cheryl Townsend will be the guest speaker.
Banquet Tickets may be purchased on-line at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/myrtle-baptist-church-150th-anniversary-banquet-tickets-939951027827.
On Sunday, Oct. 27, the church will hold a a special anniversary worship service at 10:45 a.m., with Rev. Alicia Marie Johnson, Senior Pastor of the Messiah Baptist Church of Brockton, and former Myrtle assistant pastor, as guest speaker.
Later that afternoon, Oct. 27 at 3 p.m., the weekend celebration will conclude with a reunion choir concert featuring music in the Black tradition led by current and former Myrtle music directors.
To learn more about Myrtle Baptist Church, visit the church website which has a section on its history, its community efforts and ways to get involved.