The Franklin Federated Church

FFC Church History

In 1938 two churches in Franklin were brought together by, of all things, a hurricane. The storm destroyed the First Baptist Church building, which was located on School Street, bringing the steeple down through the roof and into the sanctuary. The Baptists were invited to worship with the people of the First Congregational Church (who owned our present building on Main Street) until the Baptist Church could be repaired or rebuilt. Since the Congregational Church was without a minister at the time, the Baptist congregation brought their pastor with them, an arrangement that seemed to meet everyone's needs. Rather than moving back into their own building, however, the Baptists were invited to stay, and continue worshipping with the Congregationalists. In time, a more formal relationship was worked out which over the years evolved into a Federation between the First Baptist Church (organized in 1868) and the First Congregational Church (founded in 1738). Although both original churches continue to exist as corporate entities, today the distinction between the Baptist members and the Congregationalist members of this Federated Church is barely noticeable. We are all one family of believers comprised of people from various religious traditions and backgrounds. Members of our congregation today regard the hurricane of '38 as the wind from God that blew us together.

The two denominations with which the church is affiliated, the American Baptist Churches and the United Church of Christ, are part of the "free church" tradition of Protestantism. This means that their membership is made up of people who have freely chosen to follow Christ, and freely associate together as believers. To preserve this freedom, Baptists and Congregationalists recognize no authority higher than that of the gathered local congregation as it seeks to follow Christ and to implement the will of God. Hence, there are no bishops in our denominations, and any attempts by temporal authorities or governments to interfere in the free exercise of religion have been passionately resisted. We do not dictate beliefs to others through creeds and dogmas, but recognize the freedom of each individual believer to "work out one's own faith in fear and trembling" before God. The scriptures are our guides to faith and practice, and the creeds and traditions of the Church are seen as helpful for instruction, but do not carry the force of "church law." The Baptist and Congregationalist traditions both began centuries ago in England as protests against the "state church," the Church of England. Today, we continue to hold dear the principles of freedom and congregational autonomy. We believe that such freedom allows the greatest opportunity both for our own creative spirits to carry us further on the journey of faith, and for the Spirit of God to work among us and through us.

Affiliated with

The United Church of Christ & The American Baptist Churches

Hear Us on the Radio Sunday morning worship services are broadcast live on WGAO Radio88.3 FM When you're not able to be inworship, join us on the air at 10:30Sunday mornings. (Broadcasts are not offered from mid-May through early September)

Telephone: (508) 528- 3803 * Email: office@franklinfederated.org