Description of Historic Place

The Baker Brook Presbytery is a two-storey residence in late Regency style. It is located on Principale Street on a hill beside the church, giving it a paternalistic appearance as it holds pride of place over the village. From the rectory there is a superb view of the Saint John River, which straddles the Canada-U.S. border. Behind the rectory is an extension that was formerly used as a shelter for horses and sleighs. There are also extensive grounds in back with a grotto at the end containing a statue of the Blessed Virgin, used as a place of prayer.

Heritage Value

The Baker Brook Presbytery is designated a local historic place because it is an integral part of the village and represents a feeling of identity and pride for the local community. The construction of a rectory means among other things that there is a resident priest, making the village more independent.

The rectory is an excellent example of a late interpretation of Regency style architecture. This style is evident in details such as the rectangular massing with a lateral wing, hipped roof, and the large covered veranda with lattice in geometric motifs.

In back, the shelter for the horses and carriages represents the reality of the times. Very well preserved, it provides an interesting contrast between the modern day and the past.

The grotto erected in back contains a statue of the Blessed Virgin and offers a place of prayer.

Source: Madawaska Planning Commission, Register of Historic Places, File 2.6 – Baker Brook Rectory

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Baker Brook Presbytery include:
- two-storey rectangular massing with a lateral wing;
- large covered veranda with lattice in geometric motifs;
- aluminum hipped roof;
- exterior brick walls;
- tall side chimney;
- central balcony on the second storey topped by a pediment;
- rectangular windows in segmented arch openings;
- rear extension that was used as a shelter for horses and sleighs;
- back yard and grotto with a statue of the Blessed Virgin.