First Baptist is an historic congregation which has been an active member of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and its predecessors for more than 100 years as well as The Atlantic Baptist Fellowship and its successor Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms for more than 50 years. As a locally governed church with Jesus as our leader, we are free to determine who may be our members and representatives and who may participate in leadership and all services of our church, without interference from any other government or church body.
First Baptist Church Amherst has been a serving and worshipping congregation in the community since 1809. Today, based in our 1895 building, we gather for worship, connecting, and education. We disperse to serve in our communities and to inspire hope, in the name of Christ. We believe in spiritual community, and we seek to build a house where love can dwell and all may safely live.
At First Baptist Church, we are ruled by the commandment to love God and one another. Because we believe that Jesus taught and practiced an inclusive discipleship of equals, we welcome everyone to worship, leadership and all services of the church regardless of ability, colour, ethnicity, creed, economic background, sexual orientation, or gender identity as we continue our journey in faith.
We decided many years ago to practice open membership and open communion. As to membership, although our regular practice is immersion baptism, we receive all who commit to follow Jesus. We do not feel compelled to re-baptize believers coming from other Christian churches.
Our welcoming of everyone includes those who may struggle with our commitment to offer full participation to all. We call each of us to graciously live together in the community of Christ regardless of our differences.
Senior Minister
Jeff began ministry at First Baptist in July of 2022, having served at Baptist Churches in Digby, Windsor, and Parrsboro in the past. He studied Biology and Theology at Acadia University. Along with Christian discipleship, he is interested in music, hiking, running, gardening, and nature: especially plants, lichens and birds. He is usually at work Sunday through Thursday each week (with plenty of exceptions). Jeff lives with Sharon in Amherst and has two (step) daughters and two grandchildren, in Nova Scotia.
Minister of Christian Education
Rev. Marlene Quinn joined the fellowship of First Baptist several years ago, coming from Parrsboro, NS. her ministry and work experience is widely varied, from preaching and radio ministry to being a parole officer and an Educational Assistant. She became our Minister of CE on May 1st, 2024.
Minister Emeritus
Keeping busy in retirement, Rev. Byron Corkum served as Senior Minister of First Baptist Amherst from 1989 to 2017. He became Minister Emeritus on October 1, 2017, when the membership bestowed him with this title.
Administrative Assistant
Angela Marks has been the Administrative Assistant since 2013. Angela likes four wheeling, walking, camping, baking, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys volunteering at the Tidnish Crossroads Community Center as Secretary for the board. She has three children, and Angela lives in Tidnish with her spouse, William.
Organist & Choir Director
Kevin Dupuis has been organist and choir director at First Baptist Church for over a decade. He has obtained a bachelor of music degree with a minor in English literature and has completed his bachelor of education in 2019. He has done numerous series of concerts, both with the choir and organ for the entertainment of the Amherst community.
Church Custodian
Shauna McCallum has been our Church Custodian since February 2023 (having begun work with us in 2022). She is married to Colin and has one son and a step-daughter. She has two grandsons, Laken and Braxton. Shauna enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach (cottage).
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