BSBC History

Founded 1814

On January 1, 1814, there were 13 members and a Meeting House, the only Baptist Church in this area. Today our church has a membership of 900 and a staff of nine, in a city with seven Baptist Churches. At the beginning of a new century, "we look back on the original thirteen and thank God for their faith and daring. They have been followed across the years by a goodly and godly company of men and women who have been associated with this church for brief or lengthy periods of time. We have an excellent heritage of which we can be proud but upon which we cannot rest." (Rev. A.J. Hadley)

The Building

The present church building was built in 1882-83, replacing the previous church which was destroyed by fire on 9 March 1882. It is a fine example of neo-gothic architecture, built of purple-blue freestone quarried in New Brunswick. A 60-foot steeple with a spire extending a further 8 feet, and a beautiful tracery window over the main entrance, stand to welcome one into the House of the Lord. The gothic decoration of the semicircular sanctuary and balcony is bathed in the glow of the stained-glass windows. The window above the pulpit, in which Jesus is depicted breaking bread with the Emmaus disciples, has been described as 'one of the best examples of mid-century stained glass in the province'. The beauty of the sanctuary is enhanced by no less than 23 beautiful stained-glass memorial windows 'which are an inspiration to worship and are a perpetual reminder of things eternal'.

Time line

1813, December 25:
In the old record book of the Waterboro Baptist Church is this entry: "Our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Hannah Cromwell, Ebenezer Estabrooks, Alline Hartt, Deborah Hartt, John Marsh, Jacob Ring, Jarvis Ring, Olive Ring, Theophilus Ring, William Wilmot, desired their dismission in order to form a Church in Fredericton". Granted.

1814, January 1:
These ten persons with Amasa Coy, Ann Fraser, and Robert Fraser met at the home of Jarvis Ring and were formed into a Baptist Church by Rev. Elijah Estabrooks who assumed this pastoral charge as well as that of the mother church at Waterboro. The first deacons were: William Wilmot, Jarvis Ring and Amasa Coy.

1814 June:
The "Meeting House", which John Wilmot, Amasa Coy and Alline Hartt had covenanted 'to build for God', was dedicated. It stood on the north side of King Street below Regent, where they worshiped for 25 years.

1822:
A Sunday School was organized.

1836, January 4:
The Baptist Seminary was opened on York Street. It was the first co-educational institution in Canada and the first school open to children of all denominations. For 36 years it was their sole source of education.

1839, January 1:
The 25th anniversary of the church's founding was set aside as a Day of Prayer, which became a annual event for 124 years, being replaced by a New Year's Watchnight Service in 1963.

1840:
A new wooden House of Worship was built on the present site next to the Baptist Seminary ($7600).

1845:
Rev. & Mrs. Richard Burpee sailed to Burma, the first missionaries from North America to a foreign land. A member of this Church, he was baptized in 1829.

1870:
The first Women's Missionary Society (now called the Senior WMS) was organized by Miss Maria Norris, missionary-elect to Burma. Today there are four active missionary societies.

1872:
The parsonage was built - Rev. T. H. and Mrs. Porter were the first to occupy it. In 1872 the school was sold to the Fredericton School Board for $5000.

1882, March 9:
The white wooden church was burned.

1883, November 11:
The present stone church was dedicated (seating 600), built at a cost of $16,000.

1888:
Gibson Baptist Church (now Devon Park Baptist) was formed as a branch of Brunswick Street Baptist.

1902:
First pipe organ was installed in the gallery over the front entrance.

1905:
The Church received its present name: Brunswick Street United Baptist Church. (It was the year of the union of Regular and Free Baptists.)

1914:
The 100th anniversary saw many changes. The organ was moved to an elevation behind the pulpit over the baptistery. Chimes were donated by H. G. Kitchen and used until 1974 when they were renewed.

1914:
A new Church Covenant was adopted.

1927:
The gymnasium was built at a cost of $40,000. It provided much needed Sunday School space. (first gymnasium in Fredericton - still in much use, with original walls and floor, more than 70 years later.)

1949:
A Minister's Study was made possible by a gift of the family in memory of Hon. W. G. Clark.

1950:
A Minister's Assistant was appointed to be responsible for all Youth Work. The position was first held by Miss Josephine McLellan.

1962:
Adoption of the Church Constitution and By-Laws resulted in wider participation of members.

1963:
A Minister of Christian Education was appointed as Assistant Minister - Rev. Willis Henderson. A house on Connaught Street was purchased as a second parsonage. Sold in 1974.

1965:
Purchase of York Street School ($81,000); it provided much needed classroom space.

1966:
Dedication of 25 Schulmarich Handbells, given by Alden Clark in memory of his mother. The beautiful Harriet Clark Memorial Handbell Choir was formed and directed by Jerry McFarland. (Choir Chimes were purchased in 1987.)

1968:
Property was purchased to provide a "Drop-In Center"; it later became the George Street Parsonage 1974-1994 (torn down March 1994).

1971:
Rev. Benjamin Smith became the first Minister of Visitation.

1984:
Mr. David Steeves became the first full-time Music Director.

1986:
A three-manual Allen Digital Computer Organ System A.D.C. 8000 was installed. It centered a lovely rebuilt, enlarged choir loft.

1987:
Rev. Benjamin Smith became the first Pastor Emeritus. [Interim Pastor in 1977 - a critical period]

1990:
Rev. Michael Bravener became the first Youth Pastor.

1994:
An early Morning Worship Service was added during September to May: 8:45 am and 11:00 am (Sunday School at 9:45 am).

1996:
The Alpha Program was introduced to BSUBC (a weekday program with a new style of evangelism, using videos, discussion periods, and includes a full meal every week).

2000:
Rev. Ralph Irving became the first Minister to Seniors (a part-time position).

2003:
On the first Sunday in February the Church began it's "Simultaneous Service" format with the Contemporary-styled service worshiping in the auditorium of "York House" and the Traditional-styled service worshiping in the main Sanctuary.

2004:
Rev. Nancy Murphy is called as the church's first Associate Pastor to Children which also made her the church's first female pastor.

(1814-2001 originally compiled by H. Gertrude Davis in 1964/1988)