New Horizons Baptist Church
Title
New Horizons Baptist Church
Church Name
New Horizons Baptist Church
Church Association
African United Baptist Association
Province
Nova Scotia
County
Halifax County
Address
5457 Cornwallis Street, Halifax
Status
Active
Date
1832
Historical Information
New Horizons Baptist Church is a Baptist church in Halifax, Nova Scotia that was established by Black refugees in 1832. When the chapel was completed, Black citizens of Halifax were reported to be proud because it was evidence that former slaves could establish their own institutions in Nova Scotia. This structure is formally known as the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church but changed to its current name after controversy in recent years over Captain Cornwallis who issued a reward for Mi’kmaq scalps. The Cornwallis Street Baptist Church was originally constructed in 1832 and underwent substantial renovations in 1914 that contribute significantly to its current heritage character. The building was originally known as the African Baptist Church and was the first of its kind to be established in Nova Scotia. The Reverend Richard Preston, an influential figure in Nova Scotia’s Black community in the first half of the 19th century, was the first pastor of this congregation. He went on to found several churches throughout Nova Scotia as well as forming the African Abolition Society in 1846 and the African Baptist Association in 1854. The church was incorporated as the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church in 1892. The structure notably survived the Halifax Explosion in 1917 and served as a temporary shelter for many who lost their homes. The church is currently (2021) expanding and adding a large addition to the structure that houses a new library, kitchen and administrative offices. The pastor of the church since 2007 has been Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton. Some notable people that have ties with this building include Charles “Bucky” Adams, George Elliot Clarke, Delmore William “Buddy” Daye, Viola Desmond, Robert Downey, Senator Don Oliver, and Portia White.
Information gathered from New Horizons Baptist Church Photos courtesy of Deacon Odusanya and Pastor Britton
Information gathered from New Horizons Baptist Church Photos courtesy of Deacon Odusanya and Pastor Britton
Files
Collection
Citation
“New Horizons Baptist Church,” Atlantic Baptist Built Heritage Project , accessed May 8, 2024, https://atlanticbaptistheritage.omeka.net/items/show/148.