New Horizons Baptist Church facts for kids
The New Horizons Baptist Church (which was called Cornwallis Street Baptist Church until 2018) is a Baptist church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was started in 1832 by Black Refugees, who were formerly enslaved people seeking freedom. When the church building was finished, Black citizens in Halifax were very proud. It showed that former slaves could build their own important places in Nova Scotia. The church, led by Richard Preston, became a strong voice for social action. It worked to help Black Nova Scotians and improve their lives. Today, it is part of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (Canadian Baptist Ministries).
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A Church with a Mission
The New Horizons Baptist Church has a long history of helping its community. It was founded by Black Refugees who had escaped slavery and settled in Nova Scotia. These brave people wanted a place of worship and a center for their community.
Under the leadership of Richard Preston, the church quickly became more than just a place to pray. It became a hub for social action. This means the church worked to solve problems and improve the lives of Black Nova Scotians.
The "Mother Church"
Richard Preston and others helped create a network of Black Baptist churches across Nova Scotia. The Halifax church was known as the "Mother Church" because it was so important. Five other churches were started in the Halifax area: Preston (1842), Beechville (1844), Hammonds Plains (1845), Africville (1849), and Dartmouth.
From meetings held at the church, several important groups were formed. These included the African Friendly Society, the African Abolition Society, and the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia (AUBA). These groups worked to support the community and fight for justice.
Richard Preston was a strong voice against slavery in America. He believed that one day, Black people would achieve equality and success. He said that future generations would demand their fair share of wealth, status, and power.
The church was later renamed the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church in 1892.
Surviving the Halifax Explosion
In 1917, the church survived the terrible Halifax Explosion. This huge explosion destroyed much of Halifax. After the disaster, the church became a temporary shelter for people who had lost their homes. It provided warmth and safety during the cold winter.
After the explosion, Reverend William A. White served the church for 17 years until 1936. Then, in 1937, William Pearly Oliver became the minister. He and the church helped create the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Colored People by 1945. This group worked for civil rights.
The church was also very important in supporting Viola Desmond's court case. Viola Desmond was a Black woman who challenged racial segregation in a movie theater in 1946. The church helped her fight for justice. William Pearly Oliver worked at the church for 25 years, until 1962.
Continuing Community Support
The Cornwallis Street Baptist Church has always focused on helping its community. It has been led by many inspiring pastors who wanted to improve people's lives. For over 30 years, the church ran a Hot Lunch Program. This program provided meals to local school children. The children even called it "The Dinner Church"!
In 2005, the church was featured in a three-episode TV show. This show highlighted renovations to the church's lower hall, which became a dedicated space for Sunday School.
In 2007, Reverend Rhonda Y. Britton became the church's first female pastor. She was from America and had served another church in Nova Scotia. Reverend Britton earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Acadia University in 2012. Under her leadership, the church started a Rites of Passage Program for youth aged 8-18. This program helps young people grow and addresses challenges in the Black community.
In 2009, Parks Canada recognized Reverend Richard Preston as a person of national importance. A special plaque honoring him is placed outside the church.
A New Name for a New Era
In September 2017, the church announced it would change its name. The leaders wanted a name that better showed its values and identity as followers of Jesus Christ. They asked church members to suggest new names. In May 2018, the church congregation voted to approve the new name: "New Horizons Baptist Church."
Notable Members
- Richard Preston
- William A. White
- James Robinson Johnston
- Portia White
- Viola Desmond
- John Burton (minister)
- William Pearly Oliver
- Robert Downey (boxer)
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Bautista Nuevos Horizontes para niños
