BAPTIST CHURCH

On December 15th, 1891 a group of residents of Bonshaw met to discuss the need for a Baptist Church. The meeting resulted in C.W. Crosby, D. A. McLean, and Malcolm McArthur being chosen deacons with C.W. Crosby as clerk. A letter was drawn up listing the individuals who wished to organize a new church. This letter was submitted to the church authorities who agreed that the new church would be supported.

On January 20th, 1893, a meeting of the church elders was held and they expressed "the necessity of having a house of our own in which to worship God". The elders unanimously agreed to proceed to build at once. A building committee was formed with C.W. Crosby chairman, Peter Inman treasurer and Nicholas McNevin, George Barrett and James Gordon as members.

By May 1893 the building fund had reached $90.00 and the building commenced shortly thereafter. On November 5th, the same year, the new church was dedicated. "It was a beautiful day after a rainy night, and at 10:30 am. the morning service found the building filled to overflowing". J .D. Davidson, the former pastor, came from Gibson, New Brunswick to give the dedication sermon. Two further services were held that day in the afternoon by Pastor Higgins and Reverend Davidson again in the evening.

The exact cost of the building is not known but the building fund had reached $104 by the time of the church opening (15).

Baptist Church and bridge circa 1916 courtesy of Annie Darrach

Individuals requesting a new Baptist Church in Bonshaw, December 1891 (15) Nicholas McNevin Mrs. Andrew C. Crosby Mrs. Mark Inman

Mrs. A. McQuarrie Malcolm McNevin John Currie

Cyrus W. Crosby Mrs. John Currie Peter Inman

Fanny R. Currie Alexander McFadyen William Currie Alexander McLean Mrs. William Currie

Archibald Darrach

Mrs. Nicholas McNevin Mrs. Archibald Darrach Kate McNevin

George Barret

Grace McNevin

Mrs. George Barret Mary Ellen McNevin Mrs. Jacob Corney Margaret Ann McFadyen Mrs. William Gass

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Mrs. James Breakey Margaret McNevin Albert Morrow

Mrs. A. McDougall Mrs. Albert Morrow Mrs. Metcalfe

Mrs. C. W. Crosby Mrs. Mary McLean Donald McLean Malcolm McArthur Mrs. Malcolm McArthur