Baptist work in Milton dates back to 1821, 200 years ago, when Rev. David Nutter, a missionary, visited in the vicinity of Liverpool. There was considerable religious interest in Liverpool at that time and Rev. Nutter’s preaching attracted a goodly number. At first, he was reluctant to organize a church because he knew that there would be no pastoral leadership after he left the community. But the enthusiasm of the local Baptists was such that, finally, a church was organized.  It wasn’t until 8 years later that Rev. Thomas Ansley arrived upon the scene and re-organized the church and brought it into the fellowship of the Association.

After 1834, brighter days did follow as periodic revivals added many to the membership and greatly strengthened the church.

The church in Milton was, during its early years, referred to as the Liverpool church. Indeed, the church in Milton was organized as the Liverpool Baptist Church. Not until 1851 did the Baptists of Liverpool withdraw from the Milton fellowship to form a church of their own. Thereafter, for many years, the Milton church continued to be called the First Liverpool Church and the church in Liverpool was known as the Second Liverpool Baptist Church. The Milton church eventually became known as the Milton United Baptist Church. Remodelling and enlargements to the structure were made over the years as the congregation grew.

A glorious part of the story of the Baptist Church in Milton is suggested by two newspaper headlines. The first was printed in 1955, “Historic Church Destroyed by Fire.” The second headline, “Milton Church Rebuilt” appeared about 2 years later on April 19, 1957. Two brief headlines but to one who reads imaginatively, what a great deal they suggested!

On Sunday morning, January 23, 1955, the Milton United Baptist Church was totally destroyed by fire. The fire started in the furnace room, eventually spreading to the bell tower, and finally destroying the entire structure in less than an hour. It was one of the oldest and most majestic buildings in the community.  Everything was lost in the fire, including a new electric organ which had been purchased and installed just before Christmas. This was purchased in memory of the war dead and departed members of the church.

 

With heartening faith and dedicated resolve of the Milton United Baptist Church congregation, a Building Committee was set up the very next day to plan for the rebuild of the church. The minister at the time was Rev. Byron Cobham who co-ordinated the effort of rebuilding. The members of the Building Committee were Aubrey J. Coombs, Sr., Chairman, and assistants Bruce Coombs, Fred Dagley, Avery Freema, Leslie Smith, Hallett Cole, Wallace Hartlen, Clarence Hartlen, and Winslow Hatt. Offers of financial assistance came from all over the community and country. The dedicated church members went above and beyond to help rebuild their beloved church. The Ladies Auxiliary and the Sewing Circle, both valuable organizations, planned and carried out many fund-raising events. The help and dedication of many church and community members was exceptional.

The church was rebuilt and the first services were held two years after the fire on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1957 with very large congregations in attendance. At the time, the church held about 400 people and it was filled to capacity. The basement had been constructed in 1955 and services were held there until the church was completed. Prior to the basement being built, services and church activities were held in Port Medway, Charleston, the Church of Christ, the Masonic Hall, and the Milton Canoe and Camera Club.

Rev. Cobham resigned during construction and went to the Hantsport Baptist Church. He was replaced by Rev. Roy R. Gibbs. Finally, on May 5, 1957, the new church was dedicated to the worship of God. 

The total cost of the new church, because of both paid and volunteer assistance, was close to $30,000.00. Cash on hand when the work started was $8,000 from the proceeds of the fire insurance. With kind donations that came in from all over Canada, the generosity left a mortgage of about $10,000.00, which was paid off 7 years from the exact date of the fire. 

Similar in design to the Mulgrave Park United Baptist Church in Halifax, the Milton church is a worthy successor of the building which formerly occupied this site. Even though the fire was a devastating blow to the Milton congregation on that dismal winter day in 1955, they rose to the occasion and put their personal sacrifices and voluntary labour skills to work, and with much prayer and faith, built this beautiful building that we come to each Sunday to praise our Lord and Saviour.