Church that gave world Robert’s Rules is national treasure
By The Associated Press
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) _ A landmark New Bedford church that gave the world Robert’s Rules of Order has been named a national treasure.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s designation of the First Baptist Church as a treasure will help preserve the deteriorating building.
Supporters say it also will aid efforts to make space inside available to Your Theater, a community group.
The church founded in 1829 gained international recognition in the 19th century when a former member, Lt. Henry Martyn Robert, developed the parliamentary procedural guidelines known and used worldwide as Robert’s Rules of Order.
Several of its pastors also were active abolitionists who worked to end slavery in America.
Mayor Jon Mitchell says the national designation “will not only preserve history but help enhance New Bedford’s cultural district and promote our creative economy.”
© The Associated Press / WLNE-TV 2015
