History of New Minas Baptist Church

The story of the New Minas United Baptist Church begins with the story of the Horton (Wolfville) Church. In 1765, Ebenezer Moulton, a Baptist pastor from Massachusetts, began to preach in the area and on October 29th, 1778, the Horton Baptist Church came into being.

In 1856, the residents of Canaan, New Minas and Beech Hill, requested dismissal to form the third Horton Baptist church. The first church building in New Minas, erected by dedicated volunteers, was near the present day Ultramar service station.

In 1958 a motion was made to separate from the Canaan church and to be called the New Minas United Baptist Church. Canaan, New Minas and Port Williams continued to share the same pastor.

In 1963, an addition to the church vestry was completed, containing a large hall for church dinners and youth activities, ten classrooms, and a modern kitchen. On June 9th, 1968, the final service was held in the old wood frame structure, and on October 13th, 1968 the cornerstone was laid for a new brick building.

In 1981 the church purchased the Ryan property across from the Ken-Wo Golf Club.

On June 3rd, 1984 a special sod turning ceremony was held on the future site of the present church. The final service in the old church at 1114 Commercial Street was held on Good Friday, March 28th, 1986. On Sunday June 1st, 1986 the dedication for the new sanctuary was held. The new wing was dedicated on June 7th, 1986 and named "The Merrill Fellowship Centre".