Description of Historic Place

Woodstock United Baptist Church is a large white wooden clapboard church located in a prominent position on Main Street in Woodstock. A colourful stained-glass window is the predominant feature of the façade.

Heritage Value

Woodstock United Baptist Church is designated a local historic place for its architecture and for its association with the history of the Baptist Church in Woodstock.

Built between 1881-1885 to replace the Free Christian Baptist Church that burned in the fire that destroyed much of Woodstock’s downtown in 1881, the present structure was originally designed in the Gothic Revival style by notable Saint John architect D. E. Dunham. The building has undergone some structural modifications that have altered its original appearance, most notably a major enlargement of the building in 1907, necessitated by the amalgamation of the various Baptist denominations in Woodstock. This renovation was designed by another prominent Saint John architect, H. H. Mott. His modifications added more Classical elements to the original design. The result is a rare blend of Gothic and Classical architecture in Woodstock. When lightning struck the steeple in 1966, the 130 foot tower was pulled down and capped. The original tall Gothic stained-glass windows were removed for the installation of two ornate memorial stained-glass windows.

Woodstock United Baptist Church is also designated as a symbol of the history of the Baptist faith in Woodstock. The Baptist denomination in Woodstock dates to 1834. The congregation quickly grew but was plagued by divisions over minor points of dogma; by the late 1800’s there were several Baptist churches in the downtown area. In 1906, the churches amalgamated as the Woodstock United Baptist Church, choosing this site as their house of worship. The building continues to serve the church today.

Source: Carleton County Historical Society Historic Places Files, “Woodstock United Baptist Church”

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the exterior of Woodstock United Baptist Church include:
- prominent location on Main Street;
- white wooden clapboard siding;
- two large stained-glass windows;
- steeply pitched gable roof;
- capped tower;
- Classical and Gothic wooden trim;
- wooden doors;
- two entrances and front façade with Classical pediments.

The character-defining elements that describe the interior of Woodstock United Baptist Church include:
- wainscoted and arched ceiling;
- panelled woodwork and overflow door;
- wood floor;
- original pews;
- baptistery with painted backdrop.