About Us:

The vision for building a church in north Belchertown first arose in the early months of 1886. The words of nearby resident Mrs. Martha Harmon, penned around the turn of the century, tell us:

At the neighborhood prayer meeting and the Sunday School held in the school house (across the street from our current site)... I met the little band of Christians struggling that their lights might shine in the darkness which surrounded them. As I became acquainted with the people and their homes, a sense of their need filled my heart... I was persuaded that it was according to the Lord's purpose that a house dedicated to His service should be built.

The cornerstone of the church building was laid October 6, 1886, and early in the spring of 1887 the chapel was finished and fully furnished. The organ, chandelier and stain glass window in the lobby were all original furnishings. It took several decades before the fellowship hall and basement were added to the church (1960's) and even more years before the new sanctuary was built (1987).

The Lord began a new work at Dwight Chapel in 1981. A new body of believers was planted at the church, and as the Word was preached hungry seekers began to attend. The church hired its first full-time pastor, Emmanuel Haqq, in 1981. Through continued growth and prayer, the new sanctuary was built in 1987. And even today we seek His wisdom and guidance as we explore options for expansion of our worship space.

The group of Christians at Dwight Chapel feels a kindred spirit with those who attended the neighborhood prayer meetings back in 1886. We are eager to obey Jesus' command to "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."