East Preston United Baptist Church
Title
East Preston United Baptist Church
Creator
Avery Jackson
Church Name
East Preston United Baptist Church
Church Association
African United Baptist Association
Province
Nova Scotia
County
Halifax
Address
206 Upper Partridge River Rd, East Preston
Status
Active
Date
Built circa 1880
Historical Information
The East Preston Baptist Church has a rich history dating back to its founding on September 12, 1842, by Father Richard Preston, a freed slave from Virginia. The church's early membership included Pastor Richard Preston, Deacon Meredith Stanley, Elder John Collins, and several other individuals. The church experienced growth in both population and membership, with new churches such as St. Thomas Church and George Carvery's church forming from within the congregation.
Over the years, the church saw changes in leadership and faced challenges, including a major dissension that led to the church breaking away from the African United Baptist Association (AUBA) for a period of eleven years. Rev. George Neale, who was baptized by Father John Burton, played a significant role in bringing the First Preston Church back into the AUBA in 1880.
The current (2023) East Preston United Baptist Church appears to have initially started as a small Baptist meeting house, with a three-bay façade on the gable end, with a steeply pitched roof. Centrally placed on the gable end is a tall and slender pointed window, like those found on either side of the building. On each side of this pointed window are two entrances, one on the left and the other on the right side. Often these two doors were intended to be used by the men and the women, who would usually sit on opposite sides of the church. This building had later additions on the left side of the front facade, changing the overall design and layout of the building, making it unlike any other Baptist church structure in Atlantic Canada.
With a current community population of less than 2000 and a church membership of 280-300, East Preston United Baptist Church aims to engage the community and fulfill its mission as a place of worship and service. The church cherishes its Christian heritage and recognizes the dedication and wisdom of its forbearers throughout its 173-year history.
Source East Preston United Baptist Church
Over the years, the church saw changes in leadership and faced challenges, including a major dissension that led to the church breaking away from the African United Baptist Association (AUBA) for a period of eleven years. Rev. George Neale, who was baptized by Father John Burton, played a significant role in bringing the First Preston Church back into the AUBA in 1880.
The current (2023) East Preston United Baptist Church appears to have initially started as a small Baptist meeting house, with a three-bay façade on the gable end, with a steeply pitched roof. Centrally placed on the gable end is a tall and slender pointed window, like those found on either side of the building. On each side of this pointed window are two entrances, one on the left and the other on the right side. Often these two doors were intended to be used by the men and the women, who would usually sit on opposite sides of the church. This building had later additions on the left side of the front facade, changing the overall design and layout of the building, making it unlike any other Baptist church structure in Atlantic Canada.
With a current community population of less than 2000 and a church membership of 280-300, East Preston United Baptist Church aims to engage the community and fulfill its mission as a place of worship and service. The church cherishes its Christian heritage and recognizes the dedication and wisdom of its forbearers throughout its 173-year history.
Source East Preston United Baptist Church
Files
Collection
Citation
Avery Jackson, “East Preston United Baptist Church,” Atlantic Baptist Built Heritage Project , accessed May 1, 2024, https://atlanticbaptistheritage.omeka.net/items/show/408.