Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church
146 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church: A Beacon of Faith, Freedom, and Fellowship
Since 1890, Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church (MABC) has stood as more than a building—it has been the heartbeat of Cambridge’s African American community. What began as Mt. Olive Baptist Church found its permanent home at 146 Hampshire Street in 1923, marking the start of a century-long journey that would help shape not just souls, but the very fabric of Cambridge itself.
Through world wars and economic upheaval, through social transformation and global pandemics, MABC has remained an unwavering sanctuary of spiritual strength and renewal. As Cambridge witnessed the tumult of the 20th century and beyond, these historic walls have sheltered generations seeking solace, inspiration, and divine guidance. The church stands as a living testament to its congregation’s faith—a constant source of spiritual light that has illuminated even the darkest of times.
As an evangelical ministry affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, USA, MABC carries forward its powerful legacy while speaking to contemporary hearts. The church’s message that Jesus offers eternal life and abundance resonates deeply, particularly within the African American experience where faith has long been a foundation of strength and perseverance.
MABC’s influence flows from its steadfast commitment to spiritual nurture and fellowship. The church serves as a sacred space where Cambridge’s diverse communities find common ground in faith, fostering relationships that transcend the temporal challenges of each era. Here, through decades of change, congregants have found not just weekly worship, but an enduring spiritual home that anchors them through life’s certainties and uncertainties alike.
Today, Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church stands as a living bridge between heritage and hope. Its story, woven into the larger tapestry of Cambridge’s Black churches, demonstrates the timeless power of faith to sustain and uplift the human spirit. Through more than a century of change, MABC continues to offer what it always has—a place of spiritual refuge, renewal, and connection to the divine.
Mission Statement:
Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church exists to be a place where people can know and worship God and make Him known to others. It offers a purpose to live for, power to live on, people to live with, principles to live by, and a profession to live out.
Sources:
- Provided by Deacon Ferna Phillips, Ph.D. and Sis. Gwen Thorne, Chair, Usher Board. Courtesy of Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church, 2025.
Some images from Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church:
