Our Mission
“We Christians are here to be witnesses that Jesus is alive, to Worship Him, to walk together in Christian love, and to equip each other with God’s Word so that we are ready to do good Works for God’s Glory”.
Staff History
Current Pastor: Rev. Aaron LeGrow 2020 - 11 -15
Previous Full Time Pastors:
Previous Full Time Pastors:
- 2016 - 2019 Dan Basham
- 2013 - 2016 Danny Jack
- 2004 - 2012 Ryan Skaling
- 1996 - 2004 John Kiehn
- 1987 - 1996 Gary Countway
- 1982 - 1987 David Doherty
- 1981 – 1982 Alex S. Rockwell
- 1972 – 1981 F. Stuart Taylor
- 1965 – 1972 W. Hartley Britton
- 1955 – 1965 Reuben M. Davis
- 1950 – 1955 G. Manter Wilson
- 1940 – 1949 A. K. Herman
- 1933 – 1940 M. M. Lappin
- 1929 – 1933 E. B. McLatchy
- 1917 – 1928 Arthur J. Vincent
- 1907 – 1917 W. H. Cann
- 1904 – 1907 B. N. Nobles
- 1900 – 1904 E. B. McLatchey
- 1897 – 1900 E. E. Daley
- 1894 – 1897 W. C. Vincent
- 1891 - 1894 W. H. Warren
- 1885 – 1891 W. E. Hall
- 1882 – 1885 D. G. MacDonald
- 1878 – 1881 George E. Good
Church History
The following Church History was provided by William (Bill) Snowdon
1763 The Beginnings
Eight years after the deportation of the French, New England planters Nathan Mason, Oliver Mason, Benjamin Mason, Charles Seaman and their wife's formed themselves into a church and ordained Nathan Mason as their pastor. They sailed up the bay of Fundy, and according to local tradition, pulled into Slack's Cove at Rockport. They settled at Sackville, the newly named Township in Nova Scotia (New Brunswick became a province in 1774), near Mill Pond (now Silver Lake), a former Acadian Settlement. Later Joe Seaman, son of original settler Charles Seaman, was licensed to preach. It is believed he was the first to enter the Baptist Ministry in Canada. His connection with Wood Point began around 1772 when he married Sarah Easterbrooks, daughter of Valentine and Tabitha Easterbrooks. By 1773 he returned to Massachusetts/Rhode Island and later served as Baptist Minister in New London until his death. In 1796 he writes a letter to his Brother-in-law James Easterbrooks describing his church work, family interests and the death of his son who fell from the rafters of a new church being built in Newport, RI.
He also comments: “We hear that you in Nova Scotia have prospered in worldly things. I wish and pray that God may bless you all with those blessings which are not to be had from the fields nor yet from the thrashing floor”. In 1774 Pickering Snowdon married Dorcas Easterbrooks. Dorcas was Sarah Seaman’s sister. They lived in Upper Sackville near the Easterbrooks families. In 1791 Pickering and his family moved to Wood Point. From Job Seaman’s diary 1803: “ On August 12 early in the morning came up to Sackville and laid the schooner upon the flats near to Brother Pickering’s house. Brother Snowdon sent his man and brought us up to his house, where we breakfasted”.
“Lord’s Day Sept 11th, I preached in Sackville in am from Isa. 39:19”. Also, Wednesday, Oct 5th. “ In the afternoon, mother Burham, brother James Easterbrooks, brother and sister Snowdon with their children and others, accompanied us down to the shore at Wood Point, where we took our leave of them and embarked upon the PRINCE, Thomas Ayer master. Run down and anchored at Peck’s Cove alongside of Nicholas Seaman’s schooner”.
1779 The First Ordained Baptist Minister in New Brunswick
On October 8, 1779, Joseph Crandall became the first ordained Baptist minister in New Brunswick when he was set apart as a pastor at the Sackville Church by Edward Manning, Theodore S. Harding and Joseph Dimlock. "They continued in Sackville for 7 days during which the gospel was preached daily, both publicly and from house to house, and a revival was the result, and a time of rejoicing by the Lord's people" .
In 1841 a Methodist Chapel was built in Wood Point on land provided by Christopher Boultenhouse in 1838.
The Baptist used the building twice a month according to Peter Penner of the Chignecto Connection. A review of 1871 census for Wood Point
shows that there were more Baptists than Methodists at that time.
1878 The Building of Wood Point Baptist Church.
In 1878 Land was provided by OBEDIAH SNOWDON for a Baptist Church in Wood Point. The church was built and ready for service in September of 1979. Quote from July 3 edition of The Chignecto Post: “ A new Baptist Chapel is being built at Wood Point by Everett Snowdon. It will cost about $1000. And will be completed by 1st of September “.
CHURCH FOUNDERS:
ISAAC CROCKER (1812 – 1886)
- Came to Wood Point from England in 1822 - Worked as a Shipwright - Lived near where Cheryl Read now lives - Married Sarah Ward – 9 children
SETH CAMPBELL (1819 – 1880)
- Sea Captain (Master Mariner) - [1st photo below] Married 1. Sarah Davis – 2 boys 2. Jemima Read – 10 children - Lived in house where Brian King now resides.
- Mrs (Jemima)Campbell was the first church clerk holding the position until 1906. [2nd photo below]
1763 The Beginnings
Eight years after the deportation of the French, New England planters Nathan Mason, Oliver Mason, Benjamin Mason, Charles Seaman and their wife's formed themselves into a church and ordained Nathan Mason as their pastor. They sailed up the bay of Fundy, and according to local tradition, pulled into Slack's Cove at Rockport. They settled at Sackville, the newly named Township in Nova Scotia (New Brunswick became a province in 1774), near Mill Pond (now Silver Lake), a former Acadian Settlement. Later Joe Seaman, son of original settler Charles Seaman, was licensed to preach. It is believed he was the first to enter the Baptist Ministry in Canada. His connection with Wood Point began around 1772 when he married Sarah Easterbrooks, daughter of Valentine and Tabitha Easterbrooks. By 1773 he returned to Massachusetts/Rhode Island and later served as Baptist Minister in New London until his death. In 1796 he writes a letter to his Brother-in-law James Easterbrooks describing his church work, family interests and the death of his son who fell from the rafters of a new church being built in Newport, RI.
He also comments: “We hear that you in Nova Scotia have prospered in worldly things. I wish and pray that God may bless you all with those blessings which are not to be had from the fields nor yet from the thrashing floor”. In 1774 Pickering Snowdon married Dorcas Easterbrooks. Dorcas was Sarah Seaman’s sister. They lived in Upper Sackville near the Easterbrooks families. In 1791 Pickering and his family moved to Wood Point. From Job Seaman’s diary 1803: “ On August 12 early in the morning came up to Sackville and laid the schooner upon the flats near to Brother Pickering’s house. Brother Snowdon sent his man and brought us up to his house, where we breakfasted”.
“Lord’s Day Sept 11th, I preached in Sackville in am from Isa. 39:19”. Also, Wednesday, Oct 5th. “ In the afternoon, mother Burham, brother James Easterbrooks, brother and sister Snowdon with their children and others, accompanied us down to the shore at Wood Point, where we took our leave of them and embarked upon the PRINCE, Thomas Ayer master. Run down and anchored at Peck’s Cove alongside of Nicholas Seaman’s schooner”.
1779 The First Ordained Baptist Minister in New Brunswick
On October 8, 1779, Joseph Crandall became the first ordained Baptist minister in New Brunswick when he was set apart as a pastor at the Sackville Church by Edward Manning, Theodore S. Harding and Joseph Dimlock. "They continued in Sackville for 7 days during which the gospel was preached daily, both publicly and from house to house, and a revival was the result, and a time of rejoicing by the Lord's people" .
In 1841 a Methodist Chapel was built in Wood Point on land provided by Christopher Boultenhouse in 1838.
The Baptist used the building twice a month according to Peter Penner of the Chignecto Connection. A review of 1871 census for Wood Point
shows that there were more Baptists than Methodists at that time.
1878 The Building of Wood Point Baptist Church.
In 1878 Land was provided by OBEDIAH SNOWDON for a Baptist Church in Wood Point. The church was built and ready for service in September of 1979. Quote from July 3 edition of The Chignecto Post: “ A new Baptist Chapel is being built at Wood Point by Everett Snowdon. It will cost about $1000. And will be completed by 1st of September “.
CHURCH FOUNDERS:
ISAAC CROCKER (1812 – 1886)
- Came to Wood Point from England in 1822 - Worked as a Shipwright - Lived near where Cheryl Read now lives - Married Sarah Ward – 9 children
SETH CAMPBELL (1819 – 1880)
- Sea Captain (Master Mariner) - [1st photo below] Married 1. Sarah Davis – 2 boys 2. Jemima Read – 10 children - Lived in house where Brian King now resides.
- Mrs (Jemima)Campbell was the first church clerk holding the position until 1906. [2nd photo below]
OBEDIAH SNOWDON (1834 – 1907)
- Prosperous farmer and fisherman - Leased shore property for stone quarrying - Married Susan Cole of Rockport - Donated land for the Church
EVERETT SNOWDON (1828 – 1892)
- Farmer, mailman - Married Cynthia Cole – 9 children - Lived across from church
WILLIAM SNOWDON (1826 – 1894)
- Farmer, Seaman, fisherman - Married Emily McQuinn of Sackville – 11 children - Father of church organist – Harry Snowdon
- Lived in house where Dale and Brenda now reside
JACOB CROCKER (1825 - )
- Married Ann Smith – 2 children - Lived in back lots (Shecham) - Moved to Westcock after loss of his son (lost in South China Sea)
In the CHIGNECTO POST ARTICLE, on OCTOBER 9, 1879 you can read this: “WOOD POINT AGAIN TO THE FRONT”
“ On the 4th a number of parties were brought before Justice B. A. Read for shearing the tail of a horse belonging to Mr. James W. Maxwell of Rockport while standing in front of the Baptist Meeting House Wood Point on the previous Sunday evening. The parties could not be identified as having committed the outrage and were discharged”.
And in the CHIGNECTO POST OCTOBER 16, 1879 this statement was made: “ A tea meeting takes place at the new Baptist Meeting House in Wood Point on Thursday 30th."
1883 The UNION of Baptist Churches
The union was to be known as the “ SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH” and included 4 districts Upper Sackville, Middle Sackville, Salem, and Wood Point. The Wood Point representatives were: JACOB CROCKER, EVERETT SNOWDON, WILLIAM SNOWDONand SANFORD BARNES
In 1890 MAIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH is built.
In 1896 Obediah Snowdon sells additional land to Sackville Baptist Church for the Wood Point Church (Barn and parking lot).
In 1899 The Sackville Baptist Church minister did the circuit on Sunday – Main Street AM, Wood Point PM, Bethel evening. And at the Annual Meeting of the SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH, the Wood Point tellers nominated were Sanford Barnes and William Atkinson.
1885 Wood Point Baptist Sabbath Scholl
Information taken from Baptist Sabbath School Roll Call Book. (Church Archives) 85 names on the Roll call consisting of at least 4 classes
Teachers: Mrs Nelson Atkinson, Mrs William Snowdon (Emily), Miss McCrum, Mrs Jethro Chase, Miss Fullerton, Miss Cooke and Miss McGrunt.
1918 Early Baptisms
1918 – Cumberland Basin Jennie Barnes baptised by Rev. A. J. Vincent
OBEDIAH SNOWDON (1834 – 1907)
- Prosperous farmer and fisherman - Leased shore property for stone quarrying - Married Susan Cole of Rockport - Donated land for the Church
EVERETT SNOWDON (1828 – 1892)
- Farmer, mailman - Married Cynthia Cole – 9 children - Lived across from church
WILLIAM SNOWDON (1826 – 1894)
- Farmer, Seaman, fisherman - Married Emily McQuinn of Sackville – 11 children - Father of church organist – Harry Snowdon
- Lived in house where Dale and Brenda now reside
JACOB CROCKER (1825 - )
- Married Ann Smith – 2 children - Lived in back lots (Shecham) - Moved to Westcock after loss of his son (lost in South China Sea)
In the CHIGNECTO POST ARTICLE, on OCTOBER 9, 1879 you can read this: “WOOD POINT AGAIN TO THE FRONT”
“ On the 4th a number of parties were brought before Justice B. A. Read for shearing the tail of a horse belonging to Mr. James W. Maxwell of Rockport while standing in front of the Baptist Meeting House Wood Point on the previous Sunday evening. The parties could not be identified as having committed the outrage and were discharged”.
And in the CHIGNECTO POST OCTOBER 16, 1879 this statement was made: “ A tea meeting takes place at the new Baptist Meeting House in Wood Point on Thursday 30th."
1883 The UNION of Baptist Churches
The union was to be known as the “ SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH” and included 4 districts Upper Sackville, Middle Sackville, Salem, and Wood Point. The Wood Point representatives were: JACOB CROCKER, EVERETT SNOWDON, WILLIAM SNOWDONand SANFORD BARNES
In 1890 MAIN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH is built.
In 1896 Obediah Snowdon sells additional land to Sackville Baptist Church for the Wood Point Church (Barn and parking lot).
In 1899 The Sackville Baptist Church minister did the circuit on Sunday – Main Street AM, Wood Point PM, Bethel evening. And at the Annual Meeting of the SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH, the Wood Point tellers nominated were Sanford Barnes and William Atkinson.
1885 Wood Point Baptist Sabbath Scholl
Information taken from Baptist Sabbath School Roll Call Book. (Church Archives) 85 names on the Roll call consisting of at least 4 classes
Teachers: Mrs Nelson Atkinson, Mrs William Snowdon (Emily), Miss McCrum, Mrs Jethro Chase, Miss Fullerton, Miss Cooke and Miss McGrunt.
1918 Early Baptisms
1918 – Cumberland Basin Jennie Barnes baptised by Rev. A. J. Vincent
1918 Baptism Group at Wood Point
Left to Right: Unknown Lady, Charlie Snowdon, Eda (Mrs David Snowdon), Unknown man, Sadie Rogers, Unknown man, Isabel (Mrs Harry Snowdon), Jennie Barnes, Lloyd Snowdon, Stanley Barnes, Edith (Mrs Amos P. Snowdon), Hazen Goodwin, Ethel (Mrs Charlie Snowdon), Eliza (Mrs Arthur Ward).
1920 Special Events and Activities
1927 Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) formed at Wood Point by the Pastor’s wife (Mrs A. J. Vincent) with 9 members.
By 1932 it had grown to 12 members,
1968 – 19 members
1976 - 22 members
First meeting of members: Lila Atkinson, Mabel Alward, Nina Alward, Lena Goodwin, Melinda Barnes, Isobel Snowdon, Edith (Edie) Snowdon
Mrs Burnham (Emma) Tower, Mrs William Wright
1934 First Baptist Young Peoples Union
1934 - First BYPU (Baptist Young Peoples Union) group started at Wood Point by school teacher Elfleda Spencer
1920 Special Events and Activities
1927 Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) formed at Wood Point by the Pastor’s wife (Mrs A. J. Vincent) with 9 members.
By 1932 it had grown to 12 members,
1968 – 19 members
1976 - 22 members
First meeting of members: Lila Atkinson, Mabel Alward, Nina Alward, Lena Goodwin, Melinda Barnes, Isobel Snowdon, Edith (Edie) Snowdon
Mrs Burnham (Emma) Tower, Mrs William Wright
1934 First Baptist Young Peoples Union
1934 - First BYPU (Baptist Young Peoples Union) group started at Wood Point by school teacher Elfleda Spencer
1948 Photo of Church before it was turned to face the road
1949 Church building was turned to face the road and front entrance added. Oct. 9: Re-dedication service with Pastor A. K. Herman
1950's Special Events
1950’s New members by profession of faith and believers baptism: Lorraine Bembridge, Barbara Ward, Arvilla Wood, Walter Snowdon, Doreen Snowdon, Violet Smith, Miss Kathleen Wood, Geneva Ward, Norma King, Inez Tower, Anna Atkinson, Bill Snowdon, Richard Snowdon, Doris Snowdon, Boyd Bembridge, Joyce Wood, Audrey Atkinson, Betty Atkinson, John Atkinson, Beverley Wood, Mary Ward, Barbara Snowdon.
1953 Mrs Harold Bembridge (Evelyn) was made Assistant Organist to Harry Snowdon who had held that position for 55 years (1898- 1853). She later served as organist/pianist for many years. [Harry and Isabel Snowdon - Picture Below]
1950’s New members by profession of faith and believers baptism: Lorraine Bembridge, Barbara Ward, Arvilla Wood, Walter Snowdon, Doreen Snowdon, Violet Smith, Miss Kathleen Wood, Geneva Ward, Norma King, Inez Tower, Anna Atkinson, Bill Snowdon, Richard Snowdon, Doris Snowdon, Boyd Bembridge, Joyce Wood, Audrey Atkinson, Betty Atkinson, John Atkinson, Beverley Wood, Mary Ward, Barbara Snowdon.
1953 Mrs Harold Bembridge (Evelyn) was made Assistant Organist to Harry Snowdon who had held that position for 55 years (1898- 1853). She later served as organist/pianist for many years. [Harry and Isabel Snowdon - Picture Below]
Mrs Harold Bembridge (Evelyn) - Picture Below
1954 John, Mabel and Pauline Alward move from Wood Point to Sackville. John and Mabel served the Lord in the church for many years, John as Deacon and Mabel as Church Clerk/Treasurer for 47 years.
1960's Special Events
1965 New Church Basement installed as a tribute to Deacon Harold Bembridge, new pews and furnace installed. Along with 75 new hymnals placed as Memorials.
1966 Re-dedication service with Rev. Hartley Britton as Pastor.
1970's Special Events
1971 New Hymnals: Dedication of 50 - 60 new Hymnals, many in memory of family members.
1973 Construction of a Commemorative Cairn at S lack’s Cove by men from Wood Point and Main Street churches. June 24 – Dedication Service with Pastor Crouse of Dorchester Baptist, Pastor Gordon Driscoll of Middle Sackville Baptist and Pastor Stuart Taylor of Sackville and Wood Point Baptist.
1978 100th Anniversary Activities: Anniversary Sunday Service with Rev. Hartley Britton as guest speaker. (Pastor 1965 – 1970) Anniversary Banquet catered by Main Street Baptist Church. Special Evangelistic services with Rev. Reuben Davis as guest speaker. (Pastor 1955 – 1965)
1979 Wood Point and Main Street Churches become affiliated with THE FELLOWSHIP OF EVANGELICAL BAPTIST CHURCHES IN CANADA.
1980's Special Events
1982 August 31. Wood Point Church voted to go it alone, separating from its sister church, Main Street Baptist, calling David Doherty, Assistant Pastor at Main street, to be their full-time pastor.
1984 An Ordination Council was held for Dr. George Hardy who made plans to go into foreign missions.
1985 Parsonage Fund started: A Parsonage fund was set for plans to start building in 1988.
1987 David Doherty accepted a call to teach at N.B.B.I. During his ministry at Wood Point the active membership grew from 50 to 84.
Gary Countway was called to be pastor and under his leadership an active and vibrant choir and junior choir was formed with Kim Mitton as pianist/choir director. [David Doherty, wife Betty and family - Picture Below]
1960's Special Events
1965 New Church Basement installed as a tribute to Deacon Harold Bembridge, new pews and furnace installed. Along with 75 new hymnals placed as Memorials.
1966 Re-dedication service with Rev. Hartley Britton as Pastor.
1970's Special Events
1971 New Hymnals: Dedication of 50 - 60 new Hymnals, many in memory of family members.
1973 Construction of a Commemorative Cairn at S lack’s Cove by men from Wood Point and Main Street churches. June 24 – Dedication Service with Pastor Crouse of Dorchester Baptist, Pastor Gordon Driscoll of Middle Sackville Baptist and Pastor Stuart Taylor of Sackville and Wood Point Baptist.
1978 100th Anniversary Activities: Anniversary Sunday Service with Rev. Hartley Britton as guest speaker. (Pastor 1965 – 1970) Anniversary Banquet catered by Main Street Baptist Church. Special Evangelistic services with Rev. Reuben Davis as guest speaker. (Pastor 1955 – 1965)
1979 Wood Point and Main Street Churches become affiliated with THE FELLOWSHIP OF EVANGELICAL BAPTIST CHURCHES IN CANADA.
1980's Special Events
1982 August 31. Wood Point Church voted to go it alone, separating from its sister church, Main Street Baptist, calling David Doherty, Assistant Pastor at Main street, to be their full-time pastor.
1984 An Ordination Council was held for Dr. George Hardy who made plans to go into foreign missions.
1985 Parsonage Fund started: A Parsonage fund was set for plans to start building in 1988.
1987 David Doherty accepted a call to teach at N.B.B.I. During his ministry at Wood Point the active membership grew from 50 to 84.
Gary Countway was called to be pastor and under his leadership an active and vibrant choir and junior choir was formed with Kim Mitton as pianist/choir director. [David Doherty, wife Betty and family - Picture Below]
1985 Parsonage Fund started: A Parsonage fund was set for plans to start building in 1988.
1987 David Doherty accepted a call to teach at N.B.B.I. During his ministry at Wood Point the active membership grew from 50 to 84.
Gary Countway was called to be pastor and under his leadership an active and vibrant choir and junior choir was formed with Kim Mitton as pianist/choir director.
1988 Construction began on a new parsonage with a dedication service held September 25, led by Gary Countway
1987 David Doherty accepted a call to teach at N.B.B.I. During his ministry at Wood Point the active membership grew from 50 to 84.
Gary Countway was called to be pastor and under his leadership an active and vibrant choir and junior choir was formed with Kim Mitton as pianist/choir director.
1988 Construction began on a new parsonage with a dedication service held September 25, led by Gary Countway
1990's Special Events
1990 An addition was constructed at the rear of the church to provide meeting room, nursery space and a second exit from the basement.
1996 John Kiehn was called as Pastor. His wife Kim became pianist/choir director.
1990 An addition was constructed at the rear of the church to provide meeting room, nursery space and a second exit from the basement.
1996 John Kiehn was called as Pastor. His wife Kim became pianist/choir director.
2000 - 2010's Special Events
2003 125th Anniversary Service with former Pastor Stuart Taylor and his wife Anita as guests.
2003 125th Anniversary Service with former Pastor Stuart Taylor and his wife Anita as guests.
2004 Ryan Skaling was called as pastor and his wife Joanna became pianist/choir director.
2010 A committee was formed to prepare an updated Constitution/Bylaws under the able leadership of Pastor Skaling. The document was approved January 2011.
2013 Special Events
250 Years – A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness Congregations from the Baptist Churches at Middle Sackville, Main Street, Midgic, Wood Point and Salem Baptist hold some combined events to commemorate the arrival of the first Baptists to the area in 1763.
2016- Special Events
2016 Daniel Basham is called as Pastor along with his wife Jenn and Kariss and Ryley
It was also the year the church celebrated 140 Years of God’s Faithfulness
2010 A committee was formed to prepare an updated Constitution/Bylaws under the able leadership of Pastor Skaling. The document was approved January 2011.
2013 Special Events
250 Years – A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness Congregations from the Baptist Churches at Middle Sackville, Main Street, Midgic, Wood Point and Salem Baptist hold some combined events to commemorate the arrival of the first Baptists to the area in 1763.
- June 1 – Hymn-sing at Main Street Baptist
- June 8 – Combined service at Slack’s Cove
- September 22 – Service for Celebration of God’s Goodness and Baptist Witness at Convocation Hall. Joint service with combined choir with invitations to the whole town and surrounding area.
2016- Special Events
2016 Daniel Basham is called as Pastor along with his wife Jenn and Kariss and Ryley
It was also the year the church celebrated 140 Years of God’s Faithfulness