Central Baptist
In 1866 “Deacon” David Perham purchased the Stoddard property at the corner of Academy and Westford Streets for $1,100. He tore the house down and had a church constructed for about $11,000. On July 10, 1869, he sold the church and land to the Deacons of the Central Baptist Church for $8,000. The dedication took place in 1869. Deacon Perham was long remembered for his business foresight in the management of church affairs. Less publicized was the fact that he kept a large stash of hard cider in the basement of the building.
Methodist Episcopal
In 1869 Charles G. Sargent donated the site for the Methodist Episcopal Church at Graniteville to the church Trustees. The December 4 deed required that a Methodist Episcopal church be erected on the site within four years. Also, the “building shall be of the same style and size as the new Baptist Church now in … Chelmsford Center.” Architect Shepard S. Woodcock of Boston was the architect and may have also designed the Baptist Church in Chelmsford. Mead, Mason & Co. of Concord built the Westford church “above the foundation for $8,900.” Rev. Miner H.A. Evans served as the first pastor of this church until 1871. Ironically, he served as the first pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in West Chelmsford during the same two years.
References:
Website, Chelmsford Historical Commission, State Inventory 11 Academy Street
Newsletter, Sister Churches article by Bob Oliphant of Westford, February 2004
Photo, Chelmsford’s Central Baptist Church dated 1900, Quincy Day of Westford
Photo, Graniteville Methodist Episcopal Church, from book “Old Houses of Westford”
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