Union Church of Scott’s Bay

The Union Church in Scott’s Bay was built in 1856 as a Free Meeting House, meaning that they did not associate themselves with any denomination, and were most likely a conglomerate of people from several Christian backgrounds. The establishment of a Union Church in Scott’s Bay is likely a direct result of people from multiple religious backgrounds being the first colonial settlers in the region.

 On May 3^rd, 1912, Scott’s Bay Union Church incorporated and began associating itself with the group today known as the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC). The bylaws were reviewed and adapted November 18^th, 2012, and the constitution reaffirmed, which was inspired by the religious inclusivity rooted in the church’s inception.

Architecturally that church is atypical for its time, in terms of style and size. During this period in Atlantic Baptist church architecture, symmetry and things being placed in “3’s” was emphasized. One of the most eye-catching features of this church is the three-bay front façade on the gable end, with return eaves that touch the centrally placed belltower, which is built out from the main body of the church. This church is more Classical in design with its hooded eyebrow trims over the doors and windows as well as the classical moldings on the four sides on the top of the bell tower, directly below the steeple. The steeple is one of the most eye-catching and unique features of this church, with these classical mouldings that appear to make the tower larger than it is. The steeple appears to be placed within the main structure of the tower and is not as wide as the tower itself. There are vents on all sides of the tower, near the top, believed to allow the sound of the interior bell to carry.

Another unique feature of this building is that there is a door on each side of the tower, rather than one centrally placed on the front side. On each side of the building there are three classical style rectangular windows with hooded trim boards directly above them.

Information provided by the church.