Sunny Brae Baptist Church
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Historical Information
In early 1921, forty-three members from Lewisville Baptist Church joined twenty other residents from Sunny Brae to form a new congregation.
Two lots were secured and deeded to the trustees of Lewisville Baptist since there was no official church organized in Sunny Brae at the time. The St. Paul Episcopal Church building at the corner of Botsford and Victoria Streets was donated, along with the pews, bell, organ, etc. on the condition that the Sunny Brae congregation would remove the building as soon as possible. The building was taken down, and the lumber and interior elements were stored for later use.
In September 1921, the church was formally organized. In this same year, the former cornerstone of St. Paul’s church was laid as the cornerstone of the new Sunny Brae church building.
The auditorium wasn’t complete until 1925. The construction work was undertaken by Simon Steeves and the interior decoration was completed by C. Andrew Blakney.
On October 21, 1925 the church was dedicated. The organ used for the service was assembled from parts of two organs that were donated by Highfield Church and St Paul’s church. Several more items were donated by members including doors; twin stained-glass windows; a pulpit reading lamp; gothic hymn boards; mahogany offering pockets; a pulpit Bible, chair, and hymn book; installation of lights, a rug; communion set and table; bulletin boards.
The church was partially destroyed by fire in early 1927 and repairs were made. In October 1946 more repairs were made, including the redecoration of the auditorium. In November, it was decided to divide the basement into classrooms for Sunday School. In 1951 extensive work was done on the heating system and a Hammond electric organ was installed. In May 1953 the auditorium was redecorated once again.
In 1958 an addition was built including an enlarged auditorium, fifteen classrooms, kitchen facilities, a pastor’s study, and a supply room. This new addition was dedicated in March 1959.
In 1967 the sanctuary was redecorated in yellow and gold, including gold carpets. New pews were also installed, 23 of which were donated in memory of departed loved ones. A new organ was dedicated on November 4, 1972, during the 50th anniversary weekend. In 1976, a heater was installed in the baptistry and the auditorium rewired. That same year, the PA system and slide projectors were replaced after being stolen. That same year, the following improvements were made: enlarged parking lot, new heaters on the church roof, aluminum windows installed throughout, renovation of the basement, new washrooms, enlarged kitchen, and added nursery.
A further expansion of Sunny Brae Baptist Church was completed in 1990.
If you have any updated information on changes to the Sunny Brae Baptist Church building from 1990-present, please get in touch using this form.