"Every Member is a Minister"
"Every Member is a Minister"
| Our History |
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| Hammonds Plains became one of the communities in Nova Scotia where black refugees came to establish new homes, and many of their descendants are still living in this area. The first clergyman to labour among them was Rev. John Burton who organized a church in Halifax, of which the membership were "mostly of Negroes and were much despised." Rev. Burton was a Baptist and it has been said that, in 1794, he was "the only Baptist in the City of Halifax". Father Burton, as he was affectionately known, extended his concern to include Hammonds Plains, and, in 1822, founded the Hammonds Plains Second Baptist Church. Mr. Burton died in 1838, well deserving of the accolade, "he was emphatically an apostle to the coloured people". |
| Another of the denomination's pioneer preachers was Rev. Richard Preston. Born into slavery in Virginia, he was ordained in England in 1832, and, in Nova Scotia, became a great organizer of churches among the people of his race. Father Preston established the Hammonds Plains Baptist Church with Deacons Deal Whiley, William Marsman and Gabriel David, and church elders Henry Whiley and Thomas Jones. By 1937, the Church, with Rev. Arthur N. Morgan as Pastor, had a membership of 67. Two years later, the two Baptist churches joined, and hereafter the unified church was referred to as Emmanuel Baptist Church. |
| When reflecting on Emmanuel's history, we can do so with great pride because this church is unique in having five Ministers from the community of Upper Hammonds Plains: Rev. Martin Anderson, Rev. Dr. Willard Clayton, Rev. Calvin Symonds, Rev. Mervyn David, and Rev. Lennett Anderson; three licentiates: Lic. James Jones, Lic. Alfred Jenkins, and Lic. Samuel Clayton, and two Pastor's wives: Sheila Barnwell and Carole Symonds. Reflecting on the church history stirs memories of the hardships, achievements and dedication of our founding fathers. |
| Located in the center of the community, this church continues to play an integral role - a faithful lighthouse - shining the good news of Jesus Christ upon the residents of Upper Hammonds Plains and surrounding communities of Halifax Regional Municipality. The adherent membership includes people of various ethnic, cultural and denominational backgrounds - exemplifying unity within the Body of Christ. |
| Known as Emmanuel Baptist Church, the work at Upper Hammonds Plains is identified by one of the names applied to Christ (Emmanuel) as a Hebrew word that translates to "God with us". |
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