A horseback-travelling Evangelist, hymnist, and theologian, Henry Alline, preached a "New Light" gospel to this pioneer village in 1781. Alline's two visits to the Amherst area set hearts to beat with a song carried into the present moment as First Baptist Church Amherst.
That early song became a focused vision under the lengthy terms of two brilliant 19th century ministers: Rev. Charles Tupper D.D. (1819–1851), a most significant figure in uniting and promoting Baptist principles throughout the Maritimes, and noted scholar and author Rev. Dr. David A. Steele (1867–1896), admired statesman of the Maritime Baptist Association.
By the end of his near 30-year ministry, the grand sandstone structure of today had been dreamed, prayed, chiseled and hewn into life.
Several histories of the church outline a full roster of leadership; the influence of world events and politics on this congregation and the contribution it has made through worldwide missions and to the social fabric of the local community.
Now, over 240 years since Alline's gospel missions, we First Baptists enter a 3rd century. Each Lord's Day begins in song—“Let us build a house where Love can dwell...all are welcome in this place...”
And we enact this intention through various means. The congregation has put faith into action working alongside sister denominations and community organizations to welcome families of newcomers to town, recently providing support and space for English-language training.
For close to a century we have enjoyed combined summer services with the congregations of Trinity-St Stephen's United Church in unity and friendship.
In the tradition of the social gospel, as kindled in the Men's Bible and Social Class of the early 20th Century, First Baptist administers a fund that benefits charitable causes, many of those in the field of social justice.
FBC's Christian Education ministry over 30 years (prior to 2020) inspired and challenged hundreds of teens through a vibrant, inclusive youth group. Though the Sunday School is tiny of late, we celebrate children and the unique gifts they offer.
Current times bring new challenges and more complex questions of faith and truth. With open minds, seeing possibility over hindrance, we embrace the journey. And always we recall the hearts of a handful of early saints and dreamers, kindled by the Gospel message and we feel guided by that same hopeful spirit to seek and to be—an ever-present light in community. May it be so, far into the future.
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