Baptist pastors served as president of the United Baptist Convention , and others who started their careers in Charlottetown went on to have distinguished ministries in some of the largest Baptist churches in Canada and the States. Many First Baptist members have served in responsible positions, not only nationally, but internationally. Member Judith Chambers has just completed a term as president of the Baptist Women . This wonderful congregation, with a reputation as one of the most respected in Eastern Canada , will continue to grow and bring new people to our Lord and Savior in the future, through preaching of the Gospel, new facilities, study programs and outreach ministries. These will be documented by future historians who will reflect back to 2006, as we reflected back to the church's beginnings in 1836, one hundred and seventy years ago. It is interesting and fitting that as we conclude this history of the Charlottetown Baptist Church at 170 years, the Spatial Planning Committee has finished their initial review of the current church situation, and presented a number of alternatives to the membership regarding the future. The church building is almost a half century old, maintenance costs are escalating and the facility can no longer meet program demands. First Baptist members are once again faced with major decisions. To the congregation of today it will be another momentous test of faith, but in perspective it will be just one more decision, that when placed in God's hands, will help their church to take another giant step forward. The options presented will excite many and concern others, but the final selection will really be no different than the decision facing Pastor Benjamin Scott and his small flock of Baptists back in 1842, when with no assets at all they found the money necessary to build their first meeting house; or the foresight of Pastor William Hobbs in 1852, to relocate to a more active section of the city, with only the sale of extra pews to cover the cost. Without question, the greatest example of their faith was following the leadership of Rev. D.G. McDonald , who in 1879 encouraged them, with less than $100 in their bank account, to move from their small wooden building on Great to a magnificent new octagonal church on . Members can also reflect back to 1888, when deeply in debt and with no assets other than a corner lot covered with the ashes of their big church, they rallied and within two years opened a beautiful new church on the same site. Many today will remember back to 1957, when Rev. Harold Mitton realized the church had to expand if it was to grow, and the congregation agreed. Every move in the history of the Charlottetown Baptist Church was led by God, and motivated by inspirational leaders and a membership whose strong faith overcame cautious thinking. The unmade decision in 2006 is a fitting place to stop this story. Once again the church is facing a challenge, really no different than those in the past. One hundred years from now some historian, as yet unborn, will be further documenting the life of this dedicated Baptist Church in Charlottetown , and today's decision to expand, although monumental, will be simply one more God-inspired event that will enhance the legacy of this hard working church family. By then, new attitudes, activities, dress codes and presentations will be in vogue, like the changes that exist today compared to 1836. These 166