New Horizons Baptist Church facts for kids
The New Horizons Baptist Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia is a special place with a long history. It was started in 1832 by Black Refugees, who were people seeking freedom and a new life. This church was first known as the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church until 2018. When the church building was finished, it made the Black community in Halifax very proud. It showed that people who had once been enslaved could build their own important places in Nova Scotia.
Under the leadership of Richard Preston, the church became a center for helping Black Nova Scotians and working for fairness. Today, it is part of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.
Contents
Church History
Early Beginnings and Community Action
Richard Preston and other leaders helped create a group of Black Baptist churches across Nova Scotia. The church in Halifax was known as the "Mother Church" because it was so important. Five of these churches were started in the Halifax area: Preston (in 1842), Beechville (in 1844), Hammonds Plains (in 1845), and others in Africville (in 1849) and Dartmouth.
From meetings held at the church, people also formed groups like the African Friendly Society and the African Abolition Society. They also started the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia (AUBA). These groups worked to improve life for Black Nova Scotians and fight against slavery. Richard Preston believed that one day, Black people would have equal wealth, status, and power.
The church was officially named the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church in 1892, taking its name from the street it is on.
Surviving Challenges and Continuing Support
The church survived the huge Halifax Explosion in 1917. After the explosion, it became a safe place for people who had lost their homes during the winter. Soon after, Reverend William A. White served the church for 17 years until 1936.
In 1937, William Pearly Oliver became the minister. By 1945, he and the church helped create the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Colored People. This group worked for civil rights. The church was very important in supporting Viola Desmond's court case. Viola Desmond bravely challenged unfair segregation laws. Reverend Oliver led the church for 25 years, until 1962.
New Name and Ongoing Community Work
In 2017, the church decided to change its name to New Horizons Baptist Church. This new name better shows its values and mission. The church has always focused on helping the community. For over 30 years, it ran a Hot Lunch Program to feed local school children. The kids even called it "The Dinner Church"!
In 2005, the church was featured in a three-episode TV show. This project helped renovate the church's lower hall, making a special space for Sunday School.
In 2007, Reverend Rhonda Y. Britton became the church's first female pastor. She earned her Doctor of Ministry degree in 2012. Under Dr. Britton's leadership, the church started a Rites of Passage Program for young people aged 8 to 18. This program helps youth grow and address 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.
In September 2017, the church announced its plan to choose a new name. Members of the church suggested names, and in May 2018, the congregation approved "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
