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Our Churches
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Albert County
 
Looking for pictures of the past and present of our churches of Albert County, stories and the history behind them.
Please contact: Sheila Hannah mailto:sheilahannah@msn.com

The United Church of Canada West River, NB
West River Church
West River Church built in 1892 it was moved forward and put on this foundation in 1946.

Salem Church
salemchurchalbertcountynb.jpg
Submitted by: Albert County Happings
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Curryville Church
curryvillechurch.jpg
Submitted by: Linda Butland
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Albert Mines Baptist Church
albertminesbastistchurch.jpg
Submitted by: Linda Butland
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New Horten Baptist Church
newhortenbaptistchurch.jpg
Submitted by: Linda Butland
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Waterside Baptist Church
watersidebabtistchurchroute915serviceonceayearaug1.jpg
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Alma Church
270.jpg
Submitted by: Sheila(Geldart) Hannah
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Unknown Albert County
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Submitted by: Sheila (Geldart) Hannah
This Church could be the Catholic Church in Albert across from Bett's store.
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History of Albert County Churches

 

 

September 1926

NEW UNITED CHURCH WAS DEDICATED AT RIVERSIDE, A. CO.

 

Rev. J. A. Ramsay, Rev. Dr. G. A. Trueman and Rev. Dr. J. A. Falconer Speakers at the Opening Ceremonies Yesterday.

 

The new United Church at Riverside, Albert County, was formally dedicated yesterday, and in spite of the rain and disagreeable weather, the opening was very successful. At the morning service, Rev. Prof. J. W. Falconer, of Halifax, was the speaker, while in the afternoon Rev. Dr. G. J. Trueman, President of Mount Allison University, spoke eloquently and forcibly on "Religious Education."

  At the evening service Rev. James A. Ramsay, Pastor of St. John's United Church. Moncton, preached to a congregation that filled the edifice to the utmost capacity. The music for the day was rendered by local talent, assisted by Mrs. R. C. Burpee, Mr. Lorn McKendrick, Mr. and Mrs. W. Mc L. Barker.  The new church is a credit to the progressive community of Riverside, whose church was destroyed by fire about a year ago, and the new edifice which had arisen from the ashes, is a credit to the congregation of Riverside.  The opening services yesterday were attended by not only members of the congregation but many motored from Moncton and other points to attend the dedication of the new church.

 

NEW UNITED CHURCH AT RIVERSIDE, ALBERTA CO., TO BE DEDICATED SUNDAY

 

Special Services Will Mark the Occasion-------The Speakers.

 

The new United Church at Riverside, Albert County will be dedicated and opened tomorrow.  Special services throughout the city will mark the occasion.

 

Rev. Prof. J. W. Falconer, D. D. of Pine Hill College Halifax, will be the preacher at the opening service in the morning, while in the afternoon, Rev. Dr. G. J. Trueman, President of Mount Allison University, Sackville, will preach.

 

In the evening the services will be conducted by Rev. J. A. Ramsay, of St. John's Church, Moncton.

 

Several singers from Moncton will also be present at the services when special music will be rendered.

  The old church at Riverside was burned down a year ago and the opening of the new edifice takes place on first anniversary of the conflagration.

 

Submitted by: Lawrence (Larry) Hughes

Transcribed by: Jim Oswald Thank you

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1928 REOPENING SERVICE HELD AT ALBERT UNITED CHURCH

 

 Extensive Alterations Made to Interior; Special Preachers Attend

 

  Special to The Telegraph - Journal.

 

  HOPEWELL HILL, Oct 29---Large congregations attended the services at the United Church (formerly Methodist), at Albert, yesterday, which was reopened for divine worship after extensive interior alterations and renovations and exterior repainting.

  The exercises at the morning service included prayer by Rev. Dr. Munro, pastor of the church, and sermon by Dr. Delano, at Mount Allison.

   A very interesting program was carried out at the afternoon service, including hymns by the choir, prayer by Mr. Wagstaff, solos by Lorne McKendrick and Mrs. Roy C. Burpee, of Moncton and short addresses by Dr. Delano, Rev. Mr. Ramsay, of Moncton, and Dr. Munro. The latter presided at all the services. The afternoon addresses were especially an appeal to the boys and girls to measure up to admission to the kingdom of Christ by following the example of Jesus.

  The evening service included a strong sermon by Re. Mr. Ramsay, of Moncton, selections by the choir, prayer by Dr. Munro, solos by Lorne McKendrick and Mrs. Roy Burpee.

  The platform was beautifully adorned with potted plants and ferns during the services. A. R. Stiles presided at the organ.

  The Albert church is now one of the best appointed and pleasing in appearance in the neighbourhood. The improvements include the addition of a vestibule, with two double swinging doors to the main auditorium, enlargement of the platform with raised seats for the choir behind the pulpit, and the entire redecorating of the interior in tasteful tints, the walls and cornices being of soft grey and white and the pews in handsome contrasting tones of walnut tinted graining. The windows have all been frosted, in tints of amber, maroon and grey. A new furnace has also been installed. The church outside has been painted in grey with white trimmings. The decorative work was done by Charles Wells and the woodwork by C. B. Moore. During the progress of the work the United Church services were held in the Baptist Church.

 

Submitted by: Lawrence (Larry) Hughes

Transcribed by: Jim Oswald Thank you

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Masonic Honours Accorded Rev. John Adamson in death

Large Concourse of People Join Final Tribute to Late United Church

Minister at Albert Impressive Funeral Services Sunday..

       (Special to the Times) 1933

 Albert, A. C. N. B. Jan. 1--From all sections of the surrounding country here today came a large number of people to join in final tribute to Rev. John Adamson, minister of Albert United Church Circuit, whose death on Thursday morning last came as a great shock throughout this section of the country. The funeral took place this afternoon, the remains being borne from the manse to the church where an impressive service was conducted at 2:30 o'clock by Rev. Robert Smart, pastor of Central United Church, Moncton, chairman of Moncton Presbytery, who in his address referred to the great loss the church the church and community had sustained in the passing of such a splendid Christian gentleman as Rev. Mr. Adamson.

  The church choir was present and rendered very feelingly the hymns, "Unto the Hills", "Rock of Ages" and" At Even Ere the sun was set". The mourners included deceased’s widow and his two sons, Andrew, of Montreal, and William, of Chicago. Members of Albert Masonic Lodge No. 34, of which fraternity the deceased was a member, attended in a body and six Freemasons acted as pallbearers.

  Following the service in the church the remains were conveyed to the cemetery whose interment was made with Masonic honours, the impressive committal ritual of the order being carried out following the graveside service at which Rev. John Hughes, of Hillsboro, officiated. There was a wealth of beautiful floral tributes, as well as telegrams and cards of sympathy received, silent tokens of the reverence and esteem in which the deceased clergyman was held. A native of fife shire, Scotland, the late Rev. Mr. Adamson came to Canada over a quarter of centaury ago. He was ordained to the ministry at Woodlawn, Halifax, some 35 years ago but prior to ordination had served as supply at Wentworth and Whitehead, N. S. After receiving his gown he filled pulpits at Westville, Stenarfton, Sydney Mines, N. S> Peter's bay, P. E. I., coming from the later place to Albert in July last. Since taking up his pastoral duties here he had endeared himself not only to members of his congregation but to many of other denominations and his death is sincerely mourned by all. Among those who came from a distance to attend the funeral included Dr. P. McLAtkinson, of Moncton.

 

Submitted by: Lawrence (Larry) Hughes

Transcribed by: Jim Oswald Thank you

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NEWLY ADDED

Sept. 25, 2009

An Historical Sketch

Of the

First Hillsboro Baptist Church

____________________________

BY: REV. W. CAMP.

______

Read before the New Brunswick Eastern Association

July 1893

And

Published by request of that body

_________________

Saint John New Brunswick

1893
________________________________

 

   In May, 1763, a few years after the taking of Quebec by the English and in the same year in which the “Treaty of Paris,” was signed at Paris, which marked the close of “The Seven Year’ War,” six German families left Pennsylvania to settle somewhere in a northern climate. “They sailed in a sloop commanded by Capt. Hall. After a long and wearisome passage, they arrived at a place now called Hillsboro, July 1, and landed at a small creek on the north side of Gray’s Island,”

   Among these adventurers was a family by the name of Steeves. Hendrick Steeves and his wife, Rachel, had seven sons-Jacob, John, Christian, Frederick, Lutrick, Henry and Matthias-names still cherished among the Steeves and given to present generations.

   Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick Steeves, with their seven sons, stopped at Hillsboro, built a log house and made this their headquarters.

   The sloop after landing the Steeves family proceeded up the Petitcodiac to a place afterwards called, “The Bend,” and later Moncton. Here the remainder of the party was landed. The names of these families were Jones, Trites, Ricker, Lutz and Somers. After this the sloop left on her homeward voyage promising to return the next spring.

   The Steeves family at Hillsboro began to clear land and make for themselves a home. As the season was too late when they arrived to sow grain they planted a few turnips, and contented themselves by fishing and hunting and making preparations for the coming and untried winter. When the winter came it was cold and stormy, and seemed extremely severe to those accustomed to a warmer climate. They looked forward to the coming of the spring with great hopefulness. Soon the snow and ice began to melt; the forests were clothed in green robes and June. With her warm and gentle breath stirred new life in this lonely and discouraged family. Eagerly did they now look for the returning sloop, but were doomed to disappointment. The summer passed, the autumn with its beautifully tinted leaves came, and the winter with its biting blasts returned, but no vessel arrived to cheer these isolated settlers. After the first winter the most trying time in their experience came. Their provisions were about gone, and there was no place to procure more: the remainder of the seed they brought with them they had just planted; and no vessel came to supply their growing needs.

   What they passed through the second summer and winter, hoping against hope that sloop would return; and then at last giving up all hopes of her coming back. Manfully and heroically meeting the difficulties which arose when they had only a few turnips and such fish and game as they could procure-all the can be better imagined than the stern facts can be recorded.

   But meeting isolation, loneliness, cold winters and scarcity of food, this noble family struggled on with a cheerfulness, a perseverance, a hardihood and a heroism that characterize only the truly great. Such manly conduct in the face of discouraging and trying surroundings deserves a place in the history of the early settlers of this province. And be it known that these pioneers building houses, clearing lands and constructing dykes to keep out the Petitcodiac from their marshes did not toil without the inspiration of a preached gospel. Henry Steeves, the sixth of the seven sons, began about 1795, to preach the gospel to the people. Thus until the organization of the church he kept alive in the hearts of those who came to hear him the fires of faith and love towards Jesus, and made their lives all the brighter and nobler by holding up to them the inspiring and helpful life of Christ.

   At the close of the Revolutionary War many of the troops came from Fort Cumberland and settled along the Petitcodiac River. Among them was a man by the name Jacob Beck, known as “King’s Baker.” Henry Steeves married Mr. Beck’s daughter and settled on his father’s farm. He wrought with his hands six days of the week, tilling the ground, and on the Sabbath read from his German Bible and expounded the Word of God to his hearers. Thus until 1822 this man taught the people the love of God in Christ. An old man now living informs the writer that he, when a lad, heard Mr. Steeves speak to the people the precious things of the gospel. There was a house of worship standing on the same spot where now the village church stands. It was here Henry Steeves preached or exhorted from Sabbath to Sabbath. Sometime after the First Hillsboro Baptist Church was organized this building was removed and came into the possession of the Methodists. Another large building was put on the spot. This in time was removed and third still larger edifice build here. This is the present beautiful structure which commands the old and memorable hill.  Until the arrival of Father Crandall, in 1822, Mr. Steeves was the only minister in this neighbourhood, save, perhaps, an occasional itinerant preacher,” Mr. Crandall, directed by God, visited what is now known as Hillsboro. Shortly after his coming the spirit of God began to move upon the people.

   Mr. Peter Janah, now an octogenarian, gives, “the writer a vivid picture of a baptism which took place on the 6th of October, 1822. He claims to have been present at the organization of the church. He was then a boy of 18 years. On the banks of Weldon Creek, about three miles from the village, there gathered, one Sabbath day, a few settlers to witness the sacred ordinance of baptism administered to several candidates. It was not the first baptism the people had seen. There may have been one or two scenes like this before. What is now a pleasant half hour’s drive amid beautiful trees and along beautifully cultivated fields, and by neat and pretty houses, was then a tedious journey over stumps and stones. And where now in Hillsboro and Salem are large farms with delightful and pleasant homes then there were isolated clearings with here and there a dwelling.

   The octogenarian above referred to says that at this time, seventy-one years ago, there were but five houses at the ‘Bend;’ and from Edgett’s Landing to Mclatchey’s in Weldon only fourteen houses, but to return to the scene on the banks of Weldon Creek. It was the 6th of October, 1822. Rev. Joseph Crandall stood with several happy converts who were about to follow their Saviour in his own appointed ways. And there amid autumnal foliage, with God, and angels and men as witnesses, this little band of believers put on Christ by public obedience to His Commands.

   After this service was completed they went to a barn a short distance from the spot and there organized the First Hillsboro Baptist Church. This barn was owned by Henry Steeves, grandson of preacher and one of the first deacons of the church. A man by the name of Robert Smith, a good singer, who was present from the Salisbury Church and whose home was in Pollet River, at Mr. Crandall’s request read the articles of the Baptist faith; and those who were baptised that day, together with others who had been baptized previously-perhaps ten or twelve in all-formed themselves into a New Testament church. The names of some of them were: Michael Steeves, Patrick Duffy, Eunice Duffy, William Duffy, John Steeves, Peggy Steeves, Jennie Gross, Vinnia Taylor, William Gross, Mrs. Peter Hopper and perhaps others.

   Christ was born in a manger and cradled upon straw. It the barn was not too low for the son of God it was not too mean and humbles a place to witness the organisation of a church of His. What a quaint scene!  On the barn floor, surrounded by fragrant hay solemn obligations were assumed and recorded in God’s Books. One can imagine the love and affection which bound together that little band of pioneer men and women, who could conquer the wild forests and compel the earth to yield her increase, all the more heroically and successfully by cherishing in their hearts the religion of Christ and maintaining a visible church of our Redeemer in their midst.

   To the unconcerned this must have appeared as a delicate plant soon to wither and die; but the sturdy nature of the pioneer was in the organization and it soon proved itself to be no “reed shaken in the wind,” forward Christmas this little band had grown to seventy-seven - thirty-seven of these bearing the name of Steeves.

   It is but fair to state that no church record has been preserved with reference to the place of the organization of the Church, and that some of the members hold that the tradition I have described and verified from the memory of an old man is incorrect. Those who do not think the church was organized at Salem believe the organization took place in the village in the first building standing where now the village church stands.

   The writer has presented what he believes to be that facts. It is recorded that an association was held with this church the next summer after its organization, I. E., in 1828. “In 1824 one of the members, James Wallace, was licensed to preach. He had to improve his talents without the aid of schools and colleges and with but a few books. Towards the close of 1834 there seemed to be a subsiding of the first enthusiasm. Doubtless the truth was penetrating beneath the surface, affecting a work of which they were hardly conscious. Memory says that the first deacons were Henry Steeves, David Steeves and Elijah Milton. Joseph Steeves was clerk in 1824, and Issac Gross was appointed to that office in 1882.”

   In 1884 Rev. Wm. Sears became pastor of the church, giving three-fourths of his time. He had preached to the people before, but now became their regular pastor. From 1884 to 1888 no remarkable events occurred, but the work of God continued. Members were received and baptized – not many at a time, but a few frequently. In 1840 Pastor Walker, from the Hopewell Church, visited them. This sister church was organized in 1818. After this visit the church seems to have gained a new life. The country all about felt her influence. In 1841 a sister comes all the way from Middle Coverdale to confess her Lord and to receive baptism. In 1848 Patrick Duffy was licensed to preach. In 1844 James Wallace Became pastor of this church. In 1845 William Gross was elected as a deacon of the church. For a few years the church seems to have been in a depressed state. But in 1848 Alexander McDonald and John Francis arrived from Wales and for a time preached and laboured with good success. Many were converted, the work extending to Baltimore. Among those converted at this time was James Irving, who afterwards became a preacher of the gospel, and who for some eighteen years held the pastorate of the Baltimore Church, leading many precious souls to Christ.

   Little is known of the church’s prosperity from 1848 to 1860. These are proofs, however, to show that this was not an uneventful period. During these twelve years no less than three churches sprang from the First Hillsboro. The Second Hillsboro was organized at Dawson Settlement in 1852, The Third Hillsboro at Demoiselle Creek in 1855, and the Forth Hillsboro at Baltimore in 1857. Mr. James Newcomb, a graduate of Acadia College, taught a high school and preached for the churches of Hillsboro for some little time. After wards, in May, 1849, he and Patrick Duffy were ordained to the gospel ministry. Both of these men did valiant work for God and died loved and honoured by all who came under their kind and Christian influence.

   In 1852 Rev. John Hughes became pastor of this church. Before his coming among the people the church was threatened with division. Under his able and wise ministry the different opposing elements were brought together and the work of the Lord carried forward with great success. He remained until about 1861.

   In 1860 steps were taken to provide for the first instrumental music. Record is also made of a gracious revival during the winter of 1861, when many souls were led to Christ as the result of special meetings. No less than twelve ministers assisted in this work. The name Salem was given to what was then called “The Beck Settlement” in 1861.

   In 1862 Rev. Lewis Marshall had change of the church for a short time.

   In 1868 Rev. James Austen Smith accepted a call to this church, and four years continued his indefatigable labours with the people. “During his ministry at Hillsboro, a revival of mighty power aroused the church and called a large number to participate for the first time in the blessings of redeeming love.” In the winter of 1868 this revival took place, when there were added to the church 155 by baptism and thirteen by letter, making in all 168-the largest ingathering at any one time during the history of this church. In 1865 the Salem house of worship was opened. About this time the present edifice in the village was built-it being the third building standing on this spot. In 1867 Rev. W. T. Corey was called as pastor of the church. During his pastorate of some eleven years, the village church building was finished and dedicated. Mr. Corey’s pastorate was a successful one. Many were added to the church and the work of God prospered.

   It was during this pastorate that regular preaching services were held in Weidon, where now there is an Supper room furnished” and set apart for the worship of God, and where regular prayer and preaching services are held.

   In 1876 the valley church, the fourth and last child was organized. A church building was already built in that part of Hillsboro, and services had been held here. Now this became the home of one of the most active churches in the county. And be it said with gratitude to God, that these four daughters have, form the very first, and maintained a character worthy of the New Testament Church. They have cherished the pure gospel and built up a strong membership, and have done a work for God that eternity alone will reveal. And so they have given their mother church every reason to be grateful for their existence and proud of their useful career. And now she looks upon them as loved children who have grown up to womanhood and settled for themselves, and rejoices that they have settled so well.

   In 1878 Rev. C. B. Welton became the pastor of this Church. During his pastorate a large and burdensome debt was removed and many souls added to the church.   

   In 1880 the convention of the Maritime Provinces was held in this church. These meetings are still cherished in the memories of a large part of the church members.

   Rev. J. C. Bleakney was called to the pastorate in 1888. His stay, though short, was one of great helpfulness to the cause. During the summer of 1884 Evangelist Chubbuck visited Hillsboro and held special services. Some eighty were converted and united wit God’s people.

   The present pastor, Rev. W. Camp, began his labours with the church March, 1886. During these past seven years the church has greatly prospered. About 153 have been baptizes and 38 received by letter. Large sums of money have been raised to purchase a parsonage, repair and paint church buildings, and remove indebtedness. The benevolent offerings of the church have more than doubled in these years. The church is united and prosperous. The people have every reason to thank “God and take courage.”

   Last October 1892 the church celebrated her seventieth anniversary. For four days religious services were held. On the evening of October sixth, after devotional exercises, a short historical record of the church was read. Then followed addresses from former pastors. On the evening of the seventh addresses were delivered by pastors of invited churches, October eighth there was held an old-fashioned conference meeting. The ninth being Sunday, three services were held, preaching services morning and evening. In the afternoon was the “roll call” and special “thank offering.” On this occasion 202 answered to their names, and $91 was taken as the thank offering. These services were much enjoyed by the people and the life of the church was quickened.

   Beginning with ten or twelve members the church has grown until twelve hundred and twenty-five have come into our fellowship. It has become the mother of four living, active and flourishing churches. Many of those who were baptized into the fellowship of this church are now labouring for Jesus in different parts of the world. There are at present 436 members, and hundreds have gone triumphantly to heaven. Only the faintest outline of the history of this people has been given in this summary. Facts interesting to the church members, but not so interesting to this body, are withheld. Only the briefest record has been kept from time to time, and unfortunately part of that is gone. But from what facts are available and from what memory can furnish we have many reasons for believing that the First Hillsboro Baptist Church has done a great and good work for God and perishing souls. Only eternity can reveal all that has been accomplished.

   What inspiration is afforded by the study of the history of God’s people! moving, guiding and overruling all things to His glory and for the good of His people. What an inspiration to every church to make a good record-to live in harmony, fellowship and love! And what and inspiration to every member to live for the glory of Christ and the highest good of one another!

   To the church and to the members of the church God is calling in all generations for earnest; God-fearing, consecrated and holy living.

Submitted By: Helena Lewis Added: Sept. 25, 2009

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As Elgin Church Burned         

                                  1938

 Below is pictured the conflagration which destroyed the First Baptist Church at Elgin, said to be one of finest country churches in the province, shortly before the structure collapsed. The loss was estimated at $9,000. The fire also destroyed the home of Thomas Alexander, opposite the church with a loss of $10,000.

Submitted by: Larry Hughes added Feb. 9, 2010

Elgin Church Burned in 1938
1938anewsitems.jpg
Submitted by: Larry Hughes

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