The First Baptist Church, Dartmouth

“A Historical Perspective”
1843-2003

For ninety-three years following the founding of Dartmouth, the few Baptists who live here would journey by ferry to worship in the Granville Street Baptist Church in Halifax. Then on May 17, 1843 this small group began meeting as a Baptist Congregation in a cottage on the north corner of King and Queen Streets. The Church was eventually constituted on October 29, 1843 with a membership of eight. A Sunday School began in the home of Richard MacLearn who lived at 113 Ochterloney St. The first Church building was made totally of wood and was about thirty square feet. This building was later moved to the back of the lot for use as a Sunday School room when the second building was erected in 1880, for a sum of $1,990.

On June 26, 1844, First Baptist Church was duly recognized and received into the Association. The membership was eighteen. In 1850 a very historic meeting was held in the home of active Baptists, Mr. & Mrs. Seldon. Women of the Protestant Churches in the area met and from this meeting arose the first women’s society for church enterprises in Canada. All Missionary Societies for women among Protestant Churches in Canada can trace their origins to this meeting. Prior to 1890 all baptisms were held in the harbour, even during the winter. That year a baptistry was built in the Church, which made baptisms more convenient. During this period, a parsonage and a Sunday School were built as well.

December 6, 1917 was a day that affected everyone in Dartmouth and Halifax. The “explosion” knocked the area flat, including First Baptist Church. The Sunday School hall was badly damaged but remained standing. It was a devastating blow to a now flourishing congregation, but with new vision and enthusiasm, the Congregation rallied and a new building was completed and dedicated on September 10, 1922. The building was made of “field stone” with metal beams and truss work. The cost was just over $50,000. The first stained glass window was installed in 1933 in memory of William L. Barss.

The Church enjoyed a continuous growth in membership. The Sunday School had a wonderful record of attendance, service and accomplishment. The Youth work, Women’s ministries and Men’s League, all contributed to a vibrant congregation, active in witness and service. Mission zeal and giving was strong and contributed to a congregation that had vision for the community and around the world. First Baptist was instrumental in starting a new work in Tufts Cove (Now Bethel Baptist) in 1873. It also was involved in the beginnings of South End Baptist, Stevens Road Baptist, and more recently, the work in Eastern Passage. Many people from this congregation have gone into full time ministry service for our Lord - both here at home and in overseas mission work.

Over the years, many changes have taken place within the building from small renovations to large projects. The Christian Education Wing opened on October 20, 1968. The old gym and sanctuary were renovated in the 1970's and 1980's, as well as the installation of most of the stained glass windows.

First Baptist has a rich history of service to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom work. Dedicated members and Pastors have served faithfully - laying the foundation for our present ministry. We look with great anticipation into the future as we plan for new facilities at the corner of Woodland and Lancaster Avenues. We pray for the same clarity of vision, the confidence and the boldness of our predecessors. We will continue to serve our Lord and expand His Kingdom, as we faithfully proclaim our witness to He, who is our Saviour and Lord.