14

Most of the 'church planters' return home.
1963
Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

15

However, in 1771 most of the group of thirteen returned to their former homes. Left behind were a number of the original settlers and new converts, 47 in all, who continued as a worshipping fellowship. They acknowledged that a man from their own church had the gifts of pastoral ministry and licensed Deacon Charles Seaman to be their Preacher.

16

First Meeting House; turned into a barn.
20 September 2004
Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

17

The first meeting house was built in 1809. After Bethel Chapel was organized in 1842, the "First Church" continued to use this building until they completed Beulah meeting house in 1842. Around 1870 the first building was sold and moved across the road to serve as a barn. Additions were constructed to the original structure which significantly changed the appearance of the building. People who were familiar with it said that inside the barn the shape of a gothic window was still visible as was the plaster on one wall. The barn stood until about the year 2000.

18

Church Founder's Pageant Bethel Chapel; seating with doors to pews still in place.
1963
Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

19

"Through The Years, A Beacon Light" - Pagent performed April 1963

Bethel Chapel-seating with doors to pews still in place.

Bethel Chapel was the second Baptist Church to be formed in Middle Sackville. It came about as a result of disagreements with other members of the first Church.
This picture represents a time when the pews at Bethel had doors at the aisles and members purchased the right to sit in a particular pew. In1880 the old seating at Bethel Chapel was replaced with pews without doors. This action disturbed some members so much that they would no longer come to church as they felt their seats had been taken away from them.

20

No picture exists of Beulah Chapel.

When the first church building became unsuitable for further use another building was constructed and it became known as Beulah Chapel. Unfortunately, no illustration or description has been found to identify the shape (possibly 50 x 60 feet) or style of the Beluah Chapel (1844 - 1885). Also known as "Tudor Baptist Church" it was later used as a barn until it burned in 1924.

21

Probably after a Sunday morning service commemorating some aspect of Church history.
1985
Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

22

Early 1980's - This picture was likely taken after a Sunday Morning Service commemorating some aspect of Church history.

23

Newspaper Notice of Church Supper at Bethel Baptist Church.
9 February 1865
Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

24

This 1967 parade float celebrates the 1763 arrival of the Swansea Baptists.
1967
Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada

25

This 1967 parade float celebrates the 1763 arrival of the Swansea Baptists.

Most of the records of this early church have been lost. This is not unusual. According to Baptists, spiritual salvation and church membership is based upon the individual's decision to chose the way of Jesus Christ, and baptism is an ordinance that identifies the believer with the new life in Christ. A believer's salvation does not depend on membership in any organized church body. Therefore, many Baptist congregations are often nonchalant about preserving minute books and membership records, resulting in lost historical documents.

The early Middle Sackville church did not construct a meeting house, but met in members' homes. Over time through people moving, dying and losing interest in the worship services, meetings became few in number. "The New Light Movement" evangelist Henry Alline visited Middle Sackville in 1781. He wrote in his journal "The church now began to gather together in Gospel fellowship, without any bars or separation about sects or denominations, but whoever loved and sought Christ and belonged to Him were fully received into communion."

Elder Joseph Crandall who came to the Lord under the influences of the "New Light" evangelists visited Middle Sackville in 1798. Sometime between October 4 to 8, 1799 the church was reorganized with 20 members and he became its pastor. On October 8, 1799 he became the first Baptist minister to be ordained in New Brunswick.

26

Two fathers of two of our "Fathers of Confederation" pastored the Middle Sackville Church.

Rev. Samuel McCully (father of Jonathan McCully- a Father of Confederation) was ordained in Sackville (1829). For a period of time he served as pastor of the Middle Sackville congregation while continuing to assist Rev. Charles Tupper (father of Sir. Charles Tupper - a Father of Confederation) with the ministerial duties at First Baptist Church in Amherst, N.S. For the next 12 years the Amherst and Sackville Churches benefited from the preaching of both McCully and Tupper.

27

Bethel Chapel building being used as a storage shed.
1951
Middle Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada