By Rick Winterson

     Not too long back, South Boston’s Fourth Presbyterian Church was down to eleven members, held together by occasional visits from a minister.  They were all uncertain about the future.  It didn’t seem there was much hope for the church on the corner of Vinton and Dorchester Streets.

     But there’s magic in numbers.  If you read the New Testament stories describing the time from the Resurrection to the Ascension, especially the Gospel of John, there were likewise just eleven Apostles left after Judas’ defection.  Thomas the Twin was wavering.  Peter was alternating between abject fear and bitter remorse over his three denials.   Christ appeared to them only occasionally during those 40 days.  And then the Pentecost happened.

     Perhaps a neighborhood “Pentecost” happened here.  The remaining Elders at the Fourth deliberated and made their decision.  They vowed to continue their church.  Support was obtained from the Presbyterian hierarchy, which wanted to retain a presence in South Boston.  The Rev. Burns Stanfield joined the Church as its Pastor and Minister.  And, as they say, the rest is history. 

     Today, on the 135th Anniversary of its founding in 1870, the Fourth Presbyterian Church is recognized as one of the most vibrant churches in South Boston, and perhaps in all of Boston.

     One example of the Fourth’s activities was its presentation of “Mary Poppins” last Saturday.  A cast of 38 young people, aided by a crew of seven stalwarts and in full costumes, mesmerized the crowd with their performances.  It was a truly enjoyable evening.  The cast raised the roof with “Supercallifragilisticexpialadocious!”; the hour and a quarter performance flew by.  And that was after the snowstorm had delayed the show from Friday.

     On Sunday morning, Pastor Stanfield, welcomed the congregation to the celebration of the Church’s 135th Anniversary.  Trumpets sounded a joyful noise unto the Lord.  Six new members were welcomed into the Church.  The cast of “Mary Poppins” gave a reprise of selections from the previous might’s show.    Rev. Stanfield gave several readings, but perhaps the most meaningful was Psalm 126, which proclaims, “The Lord restored the fortunes of Zion.”  After the service, there was a birthday party for the Church.  If you ever want a humongous, stick-to-your-ribs serving of good-tasting ballast, just go to a Fourth lunch party.

     The activities at the Fourth continued with a recital on Sunday evening, featuring the performers who are enrolled in the Church’s music programs.  Many services and programs will mark the rest of the yearend Holidays, including a caroling party at the Stanfields’ on Monday December 19.  Another high point will be the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:30 p.m.