Wirral United Baptist Church

The Wirral Baptist Church congregation formed in 1903 and later that year built this structure. The church is built in the Meeting House style, a common style among Protestant congregations in early to mid-nineteenth century Atlantic Canada. This style is often characterized by its small and rather plain facility, with no steeple, and gothic embellishments. The front entrance was often on the gable end, with either two entrances, one on the left and right sides of the front façade, one meant for the men and the other for women; or a centrally placed doorway, as is the case with this building. This structure has maintained many of its original architectural detailings and embellishments. Some of the most eye-catching features of the exterior are the protruding, centrally placed entranceway on the gable end and the medallion window located near the peak on the gable end.

The interior of the church sanctuary has remained relatively unchanged since 1903, and still features much of its original wood panelling and its original pews.

In the early 1980’s the church was jacked up and had a new poured concrete basement installed. It was then repositioned on the same spot it has set since 1903. An extension was added on the rear (gable end) of the structure in the 1980’s; this included a washroom, kitchen, and stairwell for downstairs. Originally the downstairs was divided and used for classrooms but is now one open room, plus the kitchen area in the rear addition.

The church is surrounded by the Wirral Baptist Church Cemetery, founded around the same time as the church. This church used to be part of a three-point charge – Wirral, Blissville, and Hoyt Baptist churches. T In the late 1970’s or early 1980’s the Hoyt Baptist Church separated from the other two; Hoyt is now independent.

Wirral found it hard to keep up with a full-time pastor and has now separated from Blissville, with a part-time pastor.

Information provided by the church.