The Point Church, Newcastle

The first Baptist Church service in Newcastle was held in the hall of the Mechanics Institute, a literary society. This building still stands, just west of the new church structure on King George Highway and is now a designated Local Historic Place.

The first Baptist Church building in Newcastle was constructed in 1853. Pews were installed in 1865. In 1911, the church building was completely renovated both inside and out. A belfry, baptistry, and Sunday School rooms were added. Four stained-glass windows were donated as memorials, and a brass bell was donated. The church was rededicated in March 1911.

In August 1927, the adjacent parsonage caught fire and damaged the church. It was repaired, reopened and rededicated on November 20, 1927.

No further major changes were made to the structure until 1954 when the basement was renovated; Sunday School rooms, a vestry, and a rear basement entryway were added; a new oil furnace was installed; the choir loft was rebuilt; and a new baptistry was donated.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, much discussion took place concerning the pros and cons of again remodelling and adding to the existing church building. Many felt it would be economical to erect a new structure. On June 6, 1972, a planning committee was established to decide what type of church building would be most appropriate for the congregation.

On March 27, 1974, a building committee was set up and in June 1976, this committee recommended that a new church be built on the site of the existing church. After much consultation it was decided that Cathedral Development, Inc. offered the best package to the church with respect to architectural services, planning, and construction supervision.

On October 12, 1977, the plans were presented to the membership of the church for final approval and received a near-unanimous vote in favour. Beginning in early Spring, 1978, the congregation had services in the Miramichi Valley High School auditorium as the old church was demolished. The empty frame of the 125-year-old building came toppling down in early April 1978.

Almost immediately, work began on the new church building. After one year of work, the first service was held in the new sanctuary on March 8, 1979. The belltower was financed by the Beaverbrook Foundation. The original stained-glass windows were incorporated into the new building creating a sense of heritage enmeshed with modern architecture.

Newcastle United Baptist Church is now known as The Point Church. In February 2016, Bayview Baptist Church in Bathurst became another location of The Point Church.