First Spiritualist Church of Springfield
Church History:
The First Spiritualist Society was formed in 1898. The Society purchased this Victorian Gothic Church, built in 1887, and opened its doors to Spiritualism on January 1, 1918. The Society incorporated in 1919 as The First Spiritualist Church of Springfield and became a chartered member of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC). The NSAC was founded, incorporated and recognized as a religion in 1893. It is the oldest, most respected, Spiritualist organization in the United States.
The church is recognized by the Springfield Historical Commission. On April 12, 1987, the Commission erected a plaque at the entrance that notes its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and gives a brief history of the building. Please come visit. All of the renovations to this wonderful church are only possible with the help of you the visitors and parishioners. Please see our News and Events page for upcoming fund raising events.
In the last 10 years, we have done most of the repairs and renovations needed to keep the church safe and pleasant to be in. The last improvements are the new windows that had to be custom made because of the size differences of each window and the new windows can be opened for ventilation. Because they are air tight, they keep the church warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Additional work completed was the enclosing of the steeple to keep the pigeons off the steeple and church roof, insulation of the attic to help lower our heating costs, and painting of the fellowship walls and floors as well as the main santuary as well as the windows inside and out. A special thanks to all those who work so hard to complete the repairs and renovations!
On our list of upcoming repairs/maintenance is new carpet for the main sanctuary. It is because of these many repairs, that we continue to have fundraisers. We welcome all donations! Please come and support our fundraisers.
There are ongoing classes throughout the year. Classes will be taught by various Certified members of the Church, therefore, each class is different. Church circles include discussions relating to healing, mediums, meditation and other topics important for the unfolding of your spiritual self and everyday life. Each student will participate in laying-on-of-hands healing. For more information on development circles dates and times, see the News & Events section of this website!
The church is recognized by the Springfield Historical Commission. On April 12, 1987, the Commission erected a plaque at the entrance that notes its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and gives a brief history of the building. Please come visit. All of the renovations to this wonderful church are only possible with the help of you the visitors and parishioners. Please see our News and Events page for upcoming fund raising events.
In the last 10 years, we have done most of the repairs and renovations needed to keep the church safe and pleasant to be in. The last improvements are the new windows that had to be custom made because of the size differences of each window and the new windows can be opened for ventilation. Because they are air tight, they keep the church warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Additional work completed was the enclosing of the steeple to keep the pigeons off the steeple and church roof, insulation of the attic to help lower our heating costs, and painting of the fellowship walls and floors as well as the main santuary as well as the windows inside and out. A special thanks to all those who work so hard to complete the repairs and renovations!
On our list of upcoming repairs/maintenance is new carpet for the main sanctuary. It is because of these many repairs, that we continue to have fundraisers. We welcome all donations! Please come and support our fundraisers.
There are ongoing classes throughout the year. Classes will be taught by various Certified members of the Church, therefore, each class is different. Church circles include discussions relating to healing, mediums, meditation and other topics important for the unfolding of your spiritual self and everyday life. Each student will participate in laying-on-of-hands healing. For more information on development circles dates and times, see the News & Events section of this website!
Declaration of Principles:
- We believe in Infinite Intelligence
- We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both Physical and Spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence.
- We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith, constitutes true religion.
- We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death.
- We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by the phenomena of Spiritualism.
- We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
- We affirm the moral responsibility of individuals and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature's physical and spiritual Laws.
- We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed to any soul here or hereafter.
- We affirm that the precepts of Prophecy and Healing are divine attributes proven through Mediumship.
Simplified Version of the Declaration of Principles
- We believe in God.
- We believe that God is expressed through all Nature.
- True religion is living in obedience to Nature's Laws.
- We never die.
- Spiritualism proves that we can talk with people in the Spirit World.
- Be kind, do good, and others can learn to do likewise.
- We bring unhappiness to ourselves by the errors we make and we will be happy if we obey the Laws of Life.
- Every day is a new beginning.
- Prophecy and healing are expressions of God.
Spiritualism is a Religion, a Science and a Philosophy
Membership:
Many people have asked how to become a member of our church. Here is what is written in "our" by-laws:
- You must have attended church services for at least 6 months.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to have an adult membership.
- You must be recommended by another current member of this Church.
- You must be whole-heartedly in accord with the objectives of the Church and the NSAC.
- You must have attended development classes encompassing instruction on Spiritualism.
- You must declare acceptance and belief in the Science, Philosophy and Religion of Modern Spiritualism.
- You must acknowledge proof of the continuity of life through satisfactory demonstration of Mediumship by a Certified Medium.
- You must complete an application form given to you as prescribed by the NSAC.
- You must submit required membership dues.
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING
I ask the great unseen healing force to remove all obstructions from my mind and body and to restore me to perfect health.
I ask this in all sincerity and honesty and I will do my part.
I ask this great unseen healing force to help both present and absent ones who are in need of help and to restore them to perfect health.
I put my trust in the love and power of God.
I ask the great unseen healing force to remove all obstructions from my mind and body and to restore me to perfect health.
I ask this in all sincerity and honesty and I will do my part.
I ask this great unseen healing force to help both present and absent ones who are in need of help and to restore them to perfect health.
I put my trust in the love and power of God.