A quaint 1898 clapboard-and-shingle church on Cedar Street in Norwood—which was previously slated for conversion into two apartments after sitting on the market for years—will continue its religious legacy. The property was recently sold for $35,200 to the Jain Center of Greater Boston Inc., a non-profit charitable organization representing roughly 80 families, many of whom trace their origins to India.
Dr. Vinay K. Jain, a director of the center and a principal engineer at Stone & Webster Engineering Corp. in Boston, explained that Jainism is an ancient Indian religion and philosophy sharing similarities with Buddhism. A foundational tenet of the faith is strict non-violence (“never hurt anybody,” including animals), which also guides their adherence to strict vegetarianism. Jain noted that Mohandas Gandhi, India’s renowned pacifist leader, was deeply influenced by Jain teachings. The membership is largely composed of educated professionals, including engineers and doctors.
Preserving the Historic Property and Neighborhood Relations
The building has a rich local history, having served as the home of the Italian Christian Church from 1938 until that congregation relocated to a new facility around two years ago. When a previous agreement to sell the building to a Boston builder-designer fell through after extensive remodeling had begun last fall, the church board of directors was eager to finalize a sale. Paul Parrino, president of the church board, expressed relief, noting, “It’s hard to sell a church.”
Dr. Jain stated that the center does not anticipate any friction with neighbors in the residential Cedar Street area, pointing out that weekly Sunday worship draws only a small number of attendees, with larger turnouts expected for only about five major annual festivals. No major structural renovations are planned for the historic 1898 structure, and a formal dedication of the new meeting place is scheduled for September 6. (Reporting by Barry N. Smith, The Patriot Ledger).
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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First Congregational Church of Norwood Marks 275 Years-November 19, 2011
Amidst the commotion of a large church luncheon, the Rev. John Hamilton of the First Congregational Church of Norwood spoke about what it means to be a part of a congregation that has thrived longer than the country’s Declaration of Independence “It’s really a celebration of not just being around for such a long time,…
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Norwood Statue Vandalized-March 27, 2005
A statue of the Virgin Mary at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood was vandalized with black spray paint on Good Friday, the most sacred day of the year for Catholics. The body of the statue, which depicts the Blessed Mother with praying hands, was covered in paint. Graffiti was scrawled beneath a plaque…
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Sharing a Home, a Career, a Church-June 15, 1991
A unique partnership brings growth and healing to a local pulpit as a co-pastor couple uses personal experience to connect with the pew.
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Vandalism of Blessed Mother Statue at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in South Norwood Appalls Parishioners-August 1, 1979
A marble statue of the Blessed Mother on the lawn of St. Peter’s Catholic Church rectory in South Norwood was heavily vandalized over the weekend, leaving all the fingers broken off the $3,000 imported figure.
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New Pastor Became Born-Again Christian At 16-June 20, 1978
A former Barrington College professor takes command of the local pulpit, prioritizing youth work.
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Norwood Catholics Laud Saturday Mass-June 23, 1969
St. Catherine’s Church becomes one of 17 suburban Boston parishes chosen to launch the new Saturday evening Vigil Mass, sparking enthusiastic praise from local workers and commuters.
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Norwood Priest Expelled From Iraq Sees Little Hope Of Return-June 17, 1969
Expelled from Baghdad after 22 years, Norwood’s Father Thomas B. Mulvehill celebrates his ordination anniversary at home amidst Middle East turmoil.
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Cardinal Cushing and Norwood Pastor Rt. Rev. Robert Sennott Have Audience with Pope Paul VI in Rome-September 17, 1965
Cardinal Cushing and Rt. Rev. Robert Sennott, pastor of Norwood’s St. Catherine’s Church, meet with Pope Paul VI during a Vatican audience.
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To Honor St. George’s Pastor On 25th Anniversary As A Priest-This Day in Norwood History-May 26, 1965
This Day in Norwood History-May 26, 1965-To Honor St. George’s Pastor On 25th Anniversary As A Priest
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Good Neighbor Sunday Coming February 14-This Day in Norwood History-January 28, 1965
COMMITTEE MEMBERS making plans for “Good Neighbor Sunday” on February 14 are (seated): Rev. Allen Keedy, Pastor First Congregational Church, Mrs. John Clarke, John Flaherty, Jr., Mrs. George A. Sullivan, and Roger MacLeod. Standing, Rabbi David Prince, John Bremer, Chairman Social Action Committee, Norwood Council of Churches, Hon. George A. Sullivan, and Eugene Doherty. Committee…
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