Very sad to see of what's become of my once - beloved, former church ... but it's their own fault. According to the Cambridge Day publication in Cambridge; the First Baptist Church has pretty much gone under, with reports of only an average of 5 - 6 in attendance on Sundays. Apparently, last winter, the pipes froze all throughout the building, with no funds for repairs.
Why is it their own fault? Because, back in the Winter of 2009, a new minister became pastor (and still current) by the name of Henry Orlando Johnson and, long story short: He was the First Baptist's first colored preacher, and it slowly became apparent that his style of preaching was (semi) that of the radical "Black Liberation Theology" (example given: Blacks are people of God, and Whites are of the Devil unless they atone); and this did not sit well with many members of the Church, most of whom being White, with a large number of ethnic (non Black) minorities in attendance, as well (Asian, Hispanic, and so on). Church is meant for ALL, and not just for some.
In my particular case, Henry Orlando Johnson's semi-radical rhetoric became so unbearable for me that, in August of 2011; I resigned my membership and quietly moved on, after having been a part of the Church since December of 2003.
It still breaks my heart to this very day. However, I shall always cherish the fond and quite vivid memories of the days of old - wouldn't trade 'em in for anything else.
Regardless of anything, I truly do wish Mr. Johnson the very best in all of his future endeavors.
