1
On Sundays We Went to ChurchOnce the basic needs for food and shelter were met during the early years of settlement in the 19th century, the communities turned to the establishment of schools and churches. Early church structures were simple buildings, with the priority being a gathering of likeminded worshippers not architecture. Steeples and stained glass came later. As time and resources permitted, more elegant edifaces replaced the simplicity of the older church buildings.
2
Crazy Quilt, about 1920 Rev. Edward Shanklin, New Jerusalem1920
New Jerusalem
Credits:Queens County Museum Collection
3
This quilt, known as a crazy quilt because of the varying shapes and stitches, was made by two Jameison sisters who were milliners at Sussex Corner, N.B. The women used leftover scraps of fabric from the hats they made. When Rev. Edward Shanklin was stationed at Sussex Corner, the sisters promised him a quilt when he married. He received this quilt in 1920 or 1921, while living in Belleisle Creek and after being married for several years. For many years Rev. Shanklin was stationed at the New Jerusalem United Church. This quilt was kept at the foot of the bed in the spare room for all to admire. Over the years some pieces have been replaced. A daughter of Rev. and Mrs. J. Edward Shanklin donated the quilt to the Queens County Museum.4
Jerusalem United Church of Canada, 19521952
New Jerusalem
Credits:Base Gagetown Community History Association
5
The United Church at New Jerusalem began as a mission by churches in Saint John, N.B., in 1839. The first Methodist church was built in 1841 but was replaced in 1895 with the structure pictured here. When the church opened in late December 1895, it was noted that there wasn't any snow, therefore making travel to the inaugural service much easier. In 1925, with the merger of the Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists, this church became the United Church.6
Inchby United Church of Canada Rectory, 19521952
Inchby
Credits:Base Gagetown Community History Association
7
Connected with the former Methodist Church at Jerusalem was the United Church Manse, home of the church minister. This large and elegant home hosted ladies groups, children's activities and many other social events for the community.8
Lake Baptist Church, New Jerusalem, 19521952
New Jerusalem
Credits:Base Gagetown Community History Association
9
The Lake Baptist Church, also known as the Jerusalem Baptist Church, was organized on August 8, 1835 by a group of thirteen people who agreed to meet in worship at least once per month. Twenty years later, membership had grown to ninety-five. The church was called a Free Christian Baptist Church until 1904, when two groups of Baptists merged to form the United Baptists. Groups connected with the ongoing work of the church included a Baptist Sewing Circle and Sunday School. Four members eventually became ministers: Gordon Beckett, John MacKenzie, Raymond Short and K. Murray Vallis.10
Watercolour Painting by Bob Standen, Hibernia Free Church of New Ireland, 20032003
Hibernia
11
The Hibernia United Baptist Church was part of a large field of Baptist Churches in the area known as the Hampstead Circuit. One minister was called to travel many miles to attend to the spiritual needs of those in the villages of Jerusalem, Hampstead, Queenstown and Upper Hampstead. The architecture of the building suggests it was built about 1860 and closely resembles the sister churches at Hampstead and Upper Hampstead. This "meeting house" style was designed to focus serious attention on God, not ornate steeples or stained glass.12
St. Peters Church, Headline, about 19001900
Headline
Credits:Queens County Museum Collection
13
St. Peter's Anglican Church at Headline, pictured here with its original steeple, is considered to be the first church in the area. It began in 1830 under the patronage of Bishop Inglis of Nova Scotia, but was not completed until 1840.14
Petersville Episcopal Church, 19521952
Petersville
Credits:Base Gagetown Community History Association
 |
 |
 |
 |