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Introduction to Christians who are called 'Baptists'.
25 February 2004
Point de Bute, New Brunswick, Canada

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When asked about the Christians who are called "Baptists" in Atlantic Canada, many people are likely to think of the denominational structure which is known as the "Convention of Atlantic Baptists Churches" (CABC). It was originally organized in 1905-1906 and was formerly known as The United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces. Of course, in Atlantic Canada there are other Baptists of different denominational organizations and some independent bodies of Baptists.

The years 2005-2006 are the centennial years for Atlantic Baptists. Special meetings and celebrations are planned. We thank the Canadian Heritage Information Network for their support making this exhibit possible for the centenary commemoration.

Baptists are adaptable in the expression of their faith through their physical surroundings. The original objective was to capture the history of Baptists in Atlantic Canada and how they expressed themselves through the buildings they erected - how their worship of God affected their choice of furnishings and style of worship centers. It soon became obvious that Baptists do not conform to a particular mold when choosing to construct and furnish their church buildings. The early settlers in this area often met in open fields or small clearings in the forest. In fact many congregations begin by a few people gathering in homes of members for worship and fellowship. Beginning a church with small gatherings in homes remains common to this day. To understand why this occurs one has to examine the Baptist belief of what constitutes a church. From the Baptist viewpoint the Church is the body of believers (Christians) who assemble for worship of our God who has expressed himself as; God the Father, God the Son-the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit -Three yet One. Baptists believe the Church exists in the body of believers regardless of its place of meeting.

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In this exhibit we have attempted to catch a glimpse of this through the histories of a few of the congregations that make up the Convention of Atlantic Baptists Churches.

The very first Baptist congregation (church) in Canada was established in Middle Sackville, New Brunswick. It is known as the Middle Sackville United Baptist Church.

Dorchester United Baptist Church located in Dorchester, New Brunswick is a rural church whose architecture was influenced by shipbuilders.

Farmers and fishermen at the eastern tip of Prince Edward Island formed a large rural Baptist congregation-the East Point United Baptist Church. This church is also known as the Kingsboro United Baptist Church-two names, one congregation.

Many areas of the Maritimes suffered from the loss of once viable industries. As a result once vibrant churches are now small mainly older adult congregations similar to the Calhoun United Baptist Church in the small rural community of Calhoun, New Brunswick.

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Work is in progress on these two churches:

During the latter part of the 19-century Amherst, Nova Scotia rivaled Moncton, New Brunswick for the commercial center of a large portion of the provinces Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Being financially secure the Amherst congregation, First Baptist Church built a more substantial building than most of the Convention churches. It is well known for its architecture and stained glass colored windows.

The city of Moncton, New Brunswick is home to a number of Baptist Churches. The largest is First Moncton United Baptist Church located in the heart of the city. Its congregation is active in many facets of community life.