Other Name(s)
The United Baptist Church
Central United Baptist Church
Links and documents
n/a
Construction Date(s)
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2008/03/03
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The United Baptist Church, commonly known as the Central United Baptist Church, is located in Upper Woods Harbour, on the western side of Highway 3, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. The Neo-classical style church was given its heritage designation by the Municipality of Barrington on July 4, 1984 and applies to the church and lot.
Heritage Value
The Central United Baptist Church is valued as a local landmark; for its role in the history of the community; and for its association with the history of the Baptist faith in Woods Harbour.
The Central United Baptist Church was built circa 1862 as a Free Will Baptist Church, in part due to the efforts of W.H. Richan, the first school superintendent in nearby Barrington Passage. Richan became an ordained Free Will Baptist minister in 1866. The building suffered a damaging fire in 1867, which also destroyed all of the first five years of the church’s records. Rev. W.W. Ashley, also a Free Will Baptist minister, was instrumental in repairing the damaged church. Ashley also founded the first temperance society in Woods Harbour. The church continues to function as a Baptist Church.
The large simple structure stands out on the costal terrain. The large central steeple was a navigational landmark for fishermen and sailors returning home. The traditional building has some basic Neo-classical elements giving it an air of refinement.
Source: Municipality of the District of Barrington, Municipal Heritage Files, United Baptist Church
Character-Defining Elements
Character-defining elements of the United Baptist Church include:
- large wood framed structure;
- gable roof with large overhang;
- four large twelve-over-twelve wood framed windows on each side elevation toped with a fanlight in the Palladian style;
- decorative sashes around the windows;
- central tower on front elevation topped by a six-sided steeple;
- fanlights on either side of tower allowing light into front entrance;
- interior gallery is supported by decorative pediments of the
Neo-classical style.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Nova Scotia
Recognition Authority
Local Governments (NS)
Recognition Statute
Heritage Property Act
Recognition Type
Municipally Registered Property
Recognition Date
1984/07/04
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
- Building Social and Community Life
- Religious Institutions
Function - Category and Type
Current
Historic
- Religion, Ritual and Funeral
- Religious Facility or Place of Worship
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
Municipality of Barrington , P.O. Box 100, BArrington NS B0W 1E0
Cape Sable Historical Society, P.O. Box 67, Barrington NS B0W 1E0
Cross-Reference to Collection
Municipality of Barrington heritage records
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
47MNS2226
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a
