New Bedford opens playhouse at former church

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — A 200-year-old former First Baptist Church opened as a new preforming arts center in New Bedford.  

In April 2012, the former church steeple began to deteriorate, forcing firefighters to block off the area. 

Mayor Jon Mitchell and church leaders agreed that it posed a safety risk on the public. This prompted a tax lien on the church in 2013, which allowed for the city to step in and stabilize the steeple. 

The city’s actions brought on discussions among historic preservation partners on how to save the 1829 church. 

“Eleven years ago, we sought to kick start a more-focused discussion to preserve the First Baptist Church by repairing the steeple, which was damaged in a storm, and placing a lien on the building,” Mayor Mitchell said. 

“At the time, it was an unorthodox use of public funds, but it launched an effort, with the help of partners like WHALE, Reverend Dalton Said, and Your Theatre, that has resulted in the establishment of a new Downtown theater and the preservation of one of New Bedford’s most historic buildings.” 

The City and the Waterfront Historic Area League have dedicated roughly $3 million in public and private donations to renovate the historical building.  

On Friday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place announcing its transformation into a new theatre, The Steeple Playhouse.  

The new Steeple Playhouse features renovations from the architect Kathryn Duff of Studio2Sustain.