Second United Baptist Church
Title
Second United Baptist Church
Creator
Avery Jackson
Church Name
Second United Baptist Church
Church Association
African United Baptist Association
Province
Nova Scotia
County
Pictou
Address
330 Washington St, New Glasgow
Status
Active
Date
Originally built circa 1903, current building 1985
Historical Information
In the late 1800s, Presbyterian lay missionaries began preaching to the community in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. They held weekly outdoor services or gathered in the old white school for worship. Around 1900, Miss Margaret MacKay initiated a Sunday School to provide religious education. Three years later, in 1903, seven members of the Black community established themselves as the Second Baptist Church, affiliated with the African Baptist churches of Nova Scotia. The seven charter members were John J. Williams, Mrs. Henrietta Jordan, J. W. Borden, W. Borden, Mrs. Susanne Reddick, Fred Sheppard, and Mrs. M. J. Borden.
Under the guidance of Reverend William A. White, the church organizers purchased a plot of land on Washington Street and built a small church. The early twentieth century marked a transitional shift in Atlantic Baptist churches, with many churches being designed either in an Akron Plan, or with an off-centered steeple. This church, however, resembles those buildings of the early to mid nineteenth century, with a centrally placed tower on the gable end. Reverend White later became the first Black captain in the army during World War I. In 1906, Reverend Wellington N. States assumed the pastorate and led the congregation for thirteen productive years. During his tenure, the original church building was relocated to the back of the lot, making way for a larger structure that opened in 1913 to accommodate the growing congregation.
Following Reverend States, several pastors worked diligently to sustain the church. In the late 1920s and again from 1934 to 1945, Agnes Waring, a home missionary, served as Pastor and witnessed the flourishing of the church. The Second Baptist Church became a focal point in the Black community, as community members faced limitations on joining other community organizations. The church formed various groups and initiatives to uplift the youth and foster community spirit. The Baptist Young People’s Union (BYPU) was established in the early 1920s, providing a space for young people to exchange ideas, have fun, and learn. Oratorical contests and scouting activities were organized, and the church hosted the first all-Black Girl Guides group in Canada, led by Mrs. Julia Jordan and Mrs. Ronald Henderson.
In 1938, the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) group was formed, which remained active for the next fifty years, contributing to the spiritual and personal development of young girls. The Sunday School also continued to thrive, with dedicated superintendents overseeing its operations. Additionally, adult church groups were established, including the Women's Missionary Society and the Men's Brotherhood, which played instrumental roles in supporting the church and raising essential funds.
In the post-World War II era, Reverend Donald Thomas assumed leadership of the Second Baptist Church and served as pastor for an impressive 39 years. This period marked a time of growth and improved economic prosperity for the church and the community. The church choir gained prominence and evolved into well-known chorus groups, such as the "Step-A-Head Male Chorus" and the "Pleasure Singers." The "Mixed Chorus" formed in 1950 and traveled to churches throughout Pictou County and beyond, leaving a lasting impression.
However, in July 1984, the original Second Baptist Church tragically burned down, presenting a turning point for the congregation. Determined to endure and support the Black community, the church members broke ground on the original Washington Street site within a year and constructed a modern new structure. This building is typical for its time in terms or size, and style. This building features a centrally placed entranceway set up high off the ground, on the gable end. You enter on the sanctuary level, and on the bottom level there is a recreational space. The building also has a saddle-back steeple positioned on the peak of the roof, near the front facade. This church is constructed of brick, which is somewhat uncommon for churches of this size, which are most often constructed of wood.
Over the years, several ministers served the Second Baptist Church, including Reverend W. N. States, Agnes Waring, and Reverend H. Donald Thomas, who held the longest tenure of 39 years.
Information provided by the church and Atlantic Baptist Archives.
Under the guidance of Reverend William A. White, the church organizers purchased a plot of land on Washington Street and built a small church. The early twentieth century marked a transitional shift in Atlantic Baptist churches, with many churches being designed either in an Akron Plan, or with an off-centered steeple. This church, however, resembles those buildings of the early to mid nineteenth century, with a centrally placed tower on the gable end. Reverend White later became the first Black captain in the army during World War I. In 1906, Reverend Wellington N. States assumed the pastorate and led the congregation for thirteen productive years. During his tenure, the original church building was relocated to the back of the lot, making way for a larger structure that opened in 1913 to accommodate the growing congregation.
Following Reverend States, several pastors worked diligently to sustain the church. In the late 1920s and again from 1934 to 1945, Agnes Waring, a home missionary, served as Pastor and witnessed the flourishing of the church. The Second Baptist Church became a focal point in the Black community, as community members faced limitations on joining other community organizations. The church formed various groups and initiatives to uplift the youth and foster community spirit. The Baptist Young People’s Union (BYPU) was established in the early 1920s, providing a space for young people to exchange ideas, have fun, and learn. Oratorical contests and scouting activities were organized, and the church hosted the first all-Black Girl Guides group in Canada, led by Mrs. Julia Jordan and Mrs. Ronald Henderson.
In 1938, the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) group was formed, which remained active for the next fifty years, contributing to the spiritual and personal development of young girls. The Sunday School also continued to thrive, with dedicated superintendents overseeing its operations. Additionally, adult church groups were established, including the Women's Missionary Society and the Men's Brotherhood, which played instrumental roles in supporting the church and raising essential funds.
In the post-World War II era, Reverend Donald Thomas assumed leadership of the Second Baptist Church and served as pastor for an impressive 39 years. This period marked a time of growth and improved economic prosperity for the church and the community. The church choir gained prominence and evolved into well-known chorus groups, such as the "Step-A-Head Male Chorus" and the "Pleasure Singers." The "Mixed Chorus" formed in 1950 and traveled to churches throughout Pictou County and beyond, leaving a lasting impression.
However, in July 1984, the original Second Baptist Church tragically burned down, presenting a turning point for the congregation. Determined to endure and support the Black community, the church members broke ground on the original Washington Street site within a year and constructed a modern new structure. This building is typical for its time in terms or size, and style. This building features a centrally placed entranceway set up high off the ground, on the gable end. You enter on the sanctuary level, and on the bottom level there is a recreational space. The building also has a saddle-back steeple positioned on the peak of the roof, near the front facade. This church is constructed of brick, which is somewhat uncommon for churches of this size, which are most often constructed of wood.
Over the years, several ministers served the Second Baptist Church, including Reverend W. N. States, Agnes Waring, and Reverend H. Donald Thomas, who held the longest tenure of 39 years.
Information provided by the church and Atlantic Baptist Archives.
Files
Collection
Citation
Avery Jackson, “Second United Baptist Church,” Atlantic Baptist Built Heritage Project , accessed May 3, 2024, https://atlanticbaptistheritage.omeka.net/items/show/406.