First Moncton

First Baptist Moncton was organized on June 8, 1828 and is the oldest continuing Protestant congregation in the city. The founding of the congregation is largely accredited to the witness and preaching ministry of an itinerant layman - Elder Joseph Crandall. In 1857 the growing congregation moved from Moncton's historical Free Meeting House to their new wooden church erected on the present site. Tragically, in 1913 fire destroyed their beautiful wooden structure but the congregation faithfully responded to the challenge and in 1915 the present building was dedicated. This 1100 seat auditorium features magnificent stained glass windows and an impressive 35-stop Casavant organ. With both numerical and program growth, the congregation added the Christian Education facility in 1958 and a multi-purpose retreat centre, Springwater Lodge, in the 1970s.

Since 1828 'First Baptist' has been a presence in the heart of Greater Moncton. Following the example of Elder Crandall many of our people have followed the call of Christ to become missionaries to India and China and denominational leaders at all levels and to exercise a faithful witness in the comminity at large. Early lay-led ministries like the 'High Street Hall' have been replaced by opportunities for social service like the Karing Kitchen, Little Lighthouse and K.E. Spencer Memorial Home. Our congregation strives to provide programming to meet the needs of the whole person and to aid individuals in faithful witness to Christ - both in the church and the world. Through the united ministry of pulpit and pew the 'Good News of Jesus Christ' goes beyond the walls of a building to a world hungry for acceptance, belonging and hope. Such has been - and continues to be - the vision of First Baptist Moncton.