1

Much of the early activities of the Dorchester congregation are not known as the records were either lost or burned in a fire at the home of the clerk, Mr. Albert Steeves. His store located in the same building was destroyed in the fire.

From 1853 to 1880 the Dorchester congregation worshipped in a number of locations. In the beginning the worship services took place in homes of the members. Later services were held in a hall and in the county Court House.

In 1858 a church building was erected in Upper Dorchester.

Until 1880 Baptists from Dorchester attended services at Upper Dorchester.

2

In a deed recorded August 26, 1880, Mr. William Hickman gave a piece of land 30 x 45 feet located in the village of Dorchester to the congregation.

Construction began in 1880 with a contract awarded to Mr. Thomas Anderson to build the foundation. It has been speculated that the Bowser family (father Christopher and sons Coleman, Humphrey and Halburt), who were good carpenters from the nearby shipyards, were engaged to build the church.
Rev. T. M. Munroe conducted a service in the vestry of the partially completed structure on June 26, 1881. The new building was completed and dedicated on June 20, 1884.

3

Photo of 1881 church building as photographed by the pastor, Rev. Keirstead
1890
Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada

4

Oil lamps hung from the ceiling first illuminated the church. Suspended by a chain, the lights were lowered to clean the lampshades, trim the wicks and replenish the oil. Electric lights were installed around 1910.

5

Dorchester First United Baptist Church
2003
Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada

6

The first pastors of the Dorchester church also served other congregations at Rockport (a distance of 24 kilometers), Grand Anse (16), Dover (35), and Calhoun (28). In 1981 the Dorchester pastor also served the congregations of Fairfield (6), Upper Dorchester (4), Taylor Village (6), and Dorchester Cape (4). On the multipoint pastorates the congregations agree on some method whereby services are conducted on alternate Sundays, or at different times on a Sunday. Some of the smaller congregations might only have one service a month. With access to better means of transportation and the dwindling rural population all of these churches, except for Calhoun, have closed with the remaining church members joining with larger nearby congregations.

7

Sign on the front of the Dorchester First United Baptist Church.
2003
Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada

8

The interior view of the sanctuary.
2003
Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada

9

The shape of the sanctuary ceiling suggests that shipwrights were involved in the construction. On nearby Dorchester Island was a busy shipyard where a number of sailing vessels were built.

10

Another exterier view of the building started in 1881 and completed in 1884.
1920
Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada

11

An exterior view of the building started in 1881 and completed in 1884.

12

Exterior of 1881 church building.
1920
Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada

13

Another exterior view of the building started in 1881 and completed in 1884.

14

Picture taken before electricity was available to the community.
1905
Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada