Penobsquis United Baptist Church
Title
Penobsquis United Baptist Church
Creator
Avery Jackson
Church Name
Penobsquis United Baptist Church
Church Association
Saint John - Kings Association
Province
New Brunswick
County
Kings County
Address
27 Church Loop Road, Penobsquis
Status
Active
Date
Originally built 1831, current building 1957
Historical Information
In 1831, a new church was established in New Brunswick. It was not founded by any existing denominational body in the province. At the time, there were only two churches of similar faith in Upper and Lower Brighton, established in 1830. The members of this new church were immigrants who had brought their beliefs from other lands. They were nourished and inspired by Henry Alline, a dedicated individual who had visited New Brunswick many years prior.
The early ministers of the Penobsquis Baptist Church included Reverend Ezekiel McLeod, Reverend Edward Weyman, and Reverend David Oram. They, along with Elders Churchill, Nutt, and Hartt, played a significant role in the formation of the church.
The early years of the church were challenging, with limited resources and no regular minister. Meetings were held in various locations, such as schoolhouses, private houses, and barns. The church depended on visiting elders who provided assistance without a fixed salary.
On September 6, 1831, fourteen individuals gathered under the leadership of Elder Samuel Hartt and Elder Edward Weyman. They formed a band to watch over each other for good and laid the foundation for the future United Baptist Church of Penobsquis. Over the years, the church went through different names, including Christian Church, Free Baptist, and Free Christian Baptist, before adopting its present name in 1905.
The early years were marked by struggles and fluctuating interest. In 1832, the church joined the New Brunswick Christian Conference, but its vitality remained low. However, after a visit from Elder Cronkite and Elder Edward Weyman in 1833, weekly meetings and monthly conferences resumed, resulting in new members joining the church.
In 1840, a regular meeting house called the "Free Baptist Meeting House" was constructed. It was situated in what is now known as the Lower Burying Ground. The church continued to face challenges, but in 1860, under the leadership of Elder Rattray and with the assistance of other ministers, the church experienced its greatest revival. Forty-seven new members joined, and the church reached its peak of prosperity.
Throughout its history, the church had various pastors and ministers who served the spiritual needs of the congregation. In 1957, the original Penobsquis Church burned down, and the Penobsquis and Cardwell churches dissolved to form a new United Baptist Church in Penobsquis.
This building is typical for its time in terms of size and style. This building features an upper level sanctuary space, with a lower recreational space used for fundraising events and gatherings. It also features a saddle-back steeple positioned, on the peak of the roof, over the centrally placed doorway on the gable end. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a front addition the same size, and style as the main structure, was added to the front of the facade. This space features an entranceway and welcoming area, which were completed in 2021.
Information provided by the church and Atlantic Baptist Archives
The early ministers of the Penobsquis Baptist Church included Reverend Ezekiel McLeod, Reverend Edward Weyman, and Reverend David Oram. They, along with Elders Churchill, Nutt, and Hartt, played a significant role in the formation of the church.
The early years of the church were challenging, with limited resources and no regular minister. Meetings were held in various locations, such as schoolhouses, private houses, and barns. The church depended on visiting elders who provided assistance without a fixed salary.
On September 6, 1831, fourteen individuals gathered under the leadership of Elder Samuel Hartt and Elder Edward Weyman. They formed a band to watch over each other for good and laid the foundation for the future United Baptist Church of Penobsquis. Over the years, the church went through different names, including Christian Church, Free Baptist, and Free Christian Baptist, before adopting its present name in 1905.
The early years were marked by struggles and fluctuating interest. In 1832, the church joined the New Brunswick Christian Conference, but its vitality remained low. However, after a visit from Elder Cronkite and Elder Edward Weyman in 1833, weekly meetings and monthly conferences resumed, resulting in new members joining the church.
In 1840, a regular meeting house called the "Free Baptist Meeting House" was constructed. It was situated in what is now known as the Lower Burying Ground. The church continued to face challenges, but in 1860, under the leadership of Elder Rattray and with the assistance of other ministers, the church experienced its greatest revival. Forty-seven new members joined, and the church reached its peak of prosperity.
Throughout its history, the church had various pastors and ministers who served the spiritual needs of the congregation. In 1957, the original Penobsquis Church burned down, and the Penobsquis and Cardwell churches dissolved to form a new United Baptist Church in Penobsquis.
This building is typical for its time in terms of size and style. This building features an upper level sanctuary space, with a lower recreational space used for fundraising events and gatherings. It also features a saddle-back steeple positioned, on the peak of the roof, over the centrally placed doorway on the gable end. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a front addition the same size, and style as the main structure, was added to the front of the facade. This space features an entranceway and welcoming area, which were completed in 2021.
Information provided by the church and Atlantic Baptist Archives
Files
Collection
Citation
Avery Jackson, “Penobsquis United Baptist Church,” Atlantic Baptist Built Heritage Project , accessed May 2, 2024, https://atlanticbaptistheritage.omeka.net/items/show/404.