In 1975 the members of Rawdon Street Baptist Church put together a meticulous record of the first 25 years of the church’s history as well an accounting of its prior existence as a local mission. Below is the full text from the “wooden book”. While lengthy, it is a fascinating look into the passion that this church has had for the mission of God both local and global and it pictures the passion and the searching after God that we strive to continue today.
“Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God hath led thee.” Deuteronomy 8:2
“’Tis good to remember the way He hath led us,
To view once again, both the track and the road;
To muse on the fact that, unfailing, He led us,—
Our faithful and loving, compassionate God.”“I will remember the works of the Lord . . . I will meditate also on all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings.” Psalm 77:11-12
About eighty years ago, there lived in Brantford an elderly gentleman by the name of Henry Symons, who was a member of the Congregational Church located at the corner of George and Wellington Streets, where the Central Presbyterian Church now stands.
One sunny summer’s day Mr. Symons was strolling down the path, now Rawdon Street, enjoying the natural beauties of the district at that time. It was summer vacation:—children’s laughter, shouts of glee and noises of merriment filled the air day after day, but,—today was different!
He mused thus: “Why the unusual quietness? Where are the children, I wonder?”
Looking around, he saw a strange sight—not far away, under a shade tree, was a school teacher, Miss Shannon by name, with an open Bible in her hand, earnestly talking to a group of children. With eager faces they were watching the teacher and listening intently to all that she was saying.
Mr. Symons watched for a while, then walked on, deep in thought.
The next Sunday he brought to the people of his church the news concerning the lady who was so concerned about little children coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, that she would take them together under a shade tree and tell them of the Saviour’s love.
Out of this meagre beginning was born a Gospel Mission. A canvass of the district was made by folks from the Congregational Church, who collected sufficient money to erect the Mission building in 1892. Mrs. James House and Mrs. Daniel Secord (mother of Mrs. Marjorie Lowe) were devoted workers in the Gospel Mission, generally known as “The Mission”, which was undenominational.
Many years passed, with new leaders in the work from time to time. A Mrs. John Alford rented the building for Six Dollars a week and carried on a ministry for one year; Reverend Atkinson of the Pentecostal Church took charge for a while, also a Mr. Brown, who, when not busy earning a livelihood by selling tea, coffee and spices from door to door, did teaching, preaching, and whatever he could to keep the doors of the work open; Mr. Bert McCarthy, Mr. Murray and Mr. Harwood of the Brethren Congregation kept the work going for a time, as did also Pastor Laws; Mr. Wally MacDonald of Central Baptist Church took charge also for a time.
Throughout the years a few staunch Christians of Bethel Hall kept on praying and working.
Was the witness that had gone forth so long from “The Mission” to cease now?
During the early months of 1941 the workers from the Bethel Hall Assembly left, one by one, and at last the door was CLOSED!
Mrs. James House determined that the work would be carried on, so Bible School was held in her home at 250 Grey Street for a few weeks on Sunday afternoons, six workers and ten children attending.
The few faithful ones met together and after prayer and guidance were led of God to contact Rev. Kenneth L. Miles, the Pastor of Central Baptist Church. Mrs. James House, burdened for the work, told Mr. Miles of the great need for workers to carry on the ministry, whereupon Mr. Miles immediately made same known to his Deacons. After much prayer for guidance, both Pastor and Deacons felt that the Lord would have them take over the work.
So, on May 30th, 1941, a Committee was formed to take charge of all services, the Committee consisting of:
- Rev. Kenneth Miles
- Mr. J. R. MacFarlane
- Mr. William Maich
four Trustees from Central Baptist Church were also appointed, namely:
- Mr. S. L. White
- Mr. J. R. MacFarlane
- Mr. G. Pitts
- Mr. William Maich
Mr. J. R. MacFarlane was appointed to superintend the work—a fearless Scotchman, a born leader, and above all, a man of God, with a great heart of love, especially for children and very old folk. God raises up eminently suitable men for particular places of work.
many years had passed since that first “Bible School” under the tree, taught by the dear saint of God, Miss Shannon. Many prayers had been offered and much hard work done to keep the Mission open. Time and again, it seemed as though it must close, thus to remain—but God deemed it otherwise!
How Mrs. House, Miss Evelyn House, Mrs. Molloy and son John, Marjorie Secord (Mrs. Jack Lowe) and Mrs. A. Draper rejoiced to see the doors of “The Mission” opened wide and children coming to hear the Good News of the Gospel!
Bible School was held in the afternoon, as some of the teachers were teaching at Central in the morning. A Young People’s meeting was formed and a Saturday morning club for girls was started. A very thriving Junior work was commenced on Friday nights and soon over one hundred children gathered each week to hear the Word of God given by “Mr. Mac.”, —as he was known to all, Miss Marjorie Secord being the pianist. Mr. Jack Lowe was a very faithful worker each week. Mrs. James Turner gathered the children from the neighborhood, bringing along with her twenty or thirty little ones each Friday night. Many of the children, from time to time, knelt in front of the front of the Mission and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. At least two of these Juniors have been—and still are—faithfully giving forth the Word of Life on home and foreign fields for many years. In 1947 a contest was held for the memorization of Five Hundred Scripture verses. This was accomplished by a little girl, Yvonne Gray, to whom a wrist watch was presented.
The building was in a bad state of disrepair. With much volunteer labour and sacrificial giving the building was renovated. A much needed basement with washrooms and small kitchen was built and the auditorium improved with new seating and a gallery. The achievement was delightful and encouraged hearts to greater efficiency in service for the Lord.
Under the leadership of Superintendent J. R. MacFarlane, a morning service was begun on Sundays, and some time later a Sunday evening service was instituted.
In the year 1950 it was decided that the work had made sufficient growth to warrant the organization of a regular Baptist Church, evangelical and unaffiliated.
Consequently, a small group of earnest believers met on December 6th, 1950, and were welded together by the Spirit of God to form the Rawdon Street Baptist Church, with Superintendent J. R. MacFarlane appointed as pastor thereof, and Mr. E. Middleton, Mr. C. Cox, Mr. R. Johnson and Mr. W. Rickford as Deacons.
Eventually the Central Baptist Trustees resigned and new Trustees from the newly organized Church appointed, namely:
- Pastor J. R. MacFarlane
- Mr. E. Middleton
- Mr. Raymond Johnson
Other officers were:
- Church Clerk – Marion Chapin
- Treasurer – Mrs. William Rickford
- Assistant Treasurers – Mrs. C. Cox, Mrs. R. Dixon
- Pianist – Miss Marjorie Secord
- Assistant Pianist – Miss Yvonne Gray
- Music Committee – Mrs. J. R. MacFarlane, Mrs. C. Cox
Charter Members:
- Mr. and Mrs. J. R. MacFarlane
- Mr. and Mrs. J. Lowe
- Mrs. G. Chapin
- Mr. and Mrs. J. Turner
- Mr. and Mrs. C. Cox
- Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rickford
- Mr. and Mrs. George Fulkerson
- Mr. and Mrs. Edward Middleton
- Mr. and Mrs. V. Spencer
- Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown
- Mrs. A. Langs
- Mr. and Mrs. J. Alford
- Mrs. Etta White
- Mr. and Mrs. R. Johnson
- Mrs. R. Girdlestone
- Mrs. M. Cavan
- Mrs. E. Dixon
- Miss A. Williams
- Mrs. Reva Givens
- Mrs. C. Berry
- Mr. A. Cook
- Mrs. T. Straughan
- Mrs. Margaret Hazel Straughan
Bible School was held at 10:00 a.m.; Church services at 11:00 a.m.; Evening service at 7:00 p.m.; Monday night the Young People met; Wednesday night was Prayer Meeting.
The people had a mind to pray and work, and the Lord blessed Rawdon Street Baptist Church.
The first baptismal service was held in March, 1951, at the Central Baptist Church, since our own baptistry was not yet installed. The candidates for baptism were: Miss Betty Carpenter, Mrs. Reg. Cox, Raymond Spencer, Ted Spencer an Susan Turner.
On January 31st, 1954 a baptistry with beautiful background painting was installed, the gift of Miss Beth Davis in memory of her deceased parents, and dedicated for future baptismal services.
Pastor MacFarlane began to have a vision of a beautiful new church building standing on the vacant lot adjacent to the little old church, so that accommodation would be more suitable for larger congregation of worshippers. Day by day the vision became more realistic, finally culminating in the commencement of a Building Fund.
On May 20th, 1957, the first Hebrew-Christian Conference was held in the Church. A motion was passed that this be an annual event.
On July 27th, 1958, a beautiful Communion Table was dedicated, the gift of three sisters: Mrs. William Merrill, Mrs. William Rickford and Mrs. Harry Phillips.
On November of the same year a new pulpit was dedicated. This magnificent piece of church furniture was the gift of the Wood Family, of which the late Mrs. J. R. MacFarlane was a member.
In 1959 Mr. William Rickford was elected a Trustee, replacing Mr. R. Johnson, who had resigned.
A Committee was appointed to investigate the possibilities of a new church building, the members of the Committee being:
- Miss Rosemary MacFarlane
- Mrs. William Merrill
- Mr. Willett
- Mr. William Rickford
- Mr. Frank MacLeod
- Mr. Harry Hazen
Later, a Committee was formed to be in charge of the Building Fund, the Committee members being:
- Miss F. Brierley
- Miss Rosemary MacFarlane
- Mr. J. Alford
- Mr. H. Moore
Following much prayer and work on the part of the Committees, a motion was passed by the Church on June 19th, 1960, that the building of a new church home be proceeded with, according to plans submitted by the Building Committee.
Accordingly, the contract was let to Church Enterprises under Mr. Robert Laidlaw, with Mr. William Britton as Builder.
September 9th, 1960, was an unforgettable day in the history of Rawdon Street Baptist Church. Members and friends gathered for a picnic supper on the Church lawn to witness the turning of the first sod for the new building. The service was heart-warming, as we looked back over the years to the little Mission with gaping cracks in the plaster walls, coal stoves with long pipes, and its primitive furnishings,—and the few devoted workers who “kept on keeping on” for the Lord. Pastor MacFarlane spoke briefly and impressively, reminding his listeners that the building of the Church is God’s work. Said he, “We are not building a Church, but a church building—the Rock of Divine Revelation is what we build our Church on.”
Easter Sunday, April 2nd, 1961, the cornerstone was laid. Miss Florence Brierley, assisted by Deacons William Rickford and George Fulkerson, declared the stone “Well and truly laid.” Inside the stone was placed a list of the Charter Members, a list of the Church Membership, the Church Covenant, the latest copy of the Church Bulletin and a Bible.
October 1st, 1961, was the highlight day for which much prayer had ascended. Could it be possible that this new House for Worship, of simple dignity, was actually ours! The morning service was held in the old church building. The vision cherished by Pastor MacFarlane was fulfilled as the fist meeting in the new Church Home was held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
In the audience sat Mrs. James House, now ninety-three years of age—the dear saint of God who had given most unstintingly of her time and strength in teaching for many years! Mrs. house spoke briefly, praising God for His goodness in providing such a beautiful House for Worship, and commending Pastor MacFarlane for his faithfulness.
Letters of congratulations were read from:
- The Central Ontario Association of the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada;
- Bethel Baptist Church, Simcoe, Ontario;
- Central Baptist Church, Brantford, Ontario;
- The Medina Baptist Church, the Six Nations Reservation;
- Hughson Street Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ontario
Mr. Jack Wratten spoke briefly and brought greetings from the Prime Minister. Short messages were also given by Mayer Beckett, Rev. A. C. Whitcombe, Rev. D. A. Loveday, Rev. G. Simpson and Mrs. D. H. Mackay of The Hamilton Friends of Israel.
It was indeed with grateful hearts and humble that the finished structure was viewed and the new comfortable accommodation enjoyed: “Blessed be the Lord God . . . Who only doeth wondrous things.” (Ps. 72:18)
Many visitors came to see the new building and enthusiastically remarked on the beauty and simple dignity of same.
The Young People undertook the furnishing of the Pastor’s study, much to the delight of all.
The beautiful baptistry painting was given by Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Gurney in memory of their son Wayne, accidentally killed in a car mishap. The picture was dedicated, and the brass plaque, on September 25th, 1966.
The framed texts on the front wall of the auditorium were presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Taylor, while the piano was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. Alford—all of whom are now deceased.
We are grateful to all the members and friends of the Church who so generously gave of their substance, time and strength in furnishing equipment and facilities to make efficient service possible in all departments of the work.
The cost of the building was approximately $61,000.00, which was financed by sacrificial gifts, a bank loan, a mortgage for $27,000.00 and a bond issue, which was taken up by members and friends of the Church.
The mortgage was burned at an evening ceremony on the 8th of December, 1968. A symbolic bond-burning was held at a thanksgiving service on February 10th, 1975, thus marking the end of indebtedness on the building. Mrs. J. R. MacFarlane set the mortgage a-fire, while Mr. George Fulkerson burned the symbolic bond, both of whom are now deceased.
The Church has always maintained a lively missionary interest both at home and foreign fields, expanding the outreach from time to time. The Women’s Missionary Society organized under the leadership of Mrs. William Merrill in 1952, has contributed much towards a constant interest in Missions, both financially and by practical work.
Early projects of the Church were the founding of the Bethany Mission and Children’s home on the Six Nations Reserve, which was supervised by two faithful members in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Cox, who took up residence on the Reserve and carried on a good work for many years. Missions were also opened at Johnsfield with a resident missionary, and at Garlow line with a resident pastor. A faithful group from Rawdon cleaned and renovated long-idle buildings, standing desecrated, inside and out—windows broken, cobweb-ridden, and filthy beyond description—a sorry sight indeed! But the faithful group, like the builders under Nehemiah, “had a mind to work”, and they “tackled” the job with all their might, envisioning the Word of God being given forth in this needy field. Untiring efforts were rewarded and hearts rejoiced when services were held regularly and First Nations folk became interested in attending. Some of the group from Rawdon journeyed to the Reserve Sunday after Sunday for many months to assist in teaching children in the Bible Schools and to lead Native residents in the way of Truth.
In the early life of the Church, interest was centered in the furnishing of a room for the Youth Aliyah in Israel, at a cost of about Four Hundred Dollars. A number of trees were planted in a forest in Israel with our Church name inscribed thereon, to commemorate this appreciated gesture of interest on the part of Christians. Certificates relative to the trees planted from time to time, hang on the vestibule walls of our Church—a unique presentation, indeed!
Most of the following missionary interests are on our budget for monthly remittances, to assist in the carrying on of their mission works:
- Six Nations Reserve Missionaries;
- The Hope of Israel Messengers, Inc. with Rev. A. H. Wiener as Director;
- “Joel of Jerusalem” under The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc.;
- The Million Testament Campaigns, Inc., distributing their Prophecy New Testaments to Jewish students and others in Israel and other parts of the world;
- Mrs. Dorothy Roche and son Mark, in Brazil;
- Miss Barbara MacLeod, teaching in a West Germany Bible School;
- Rev. and Mrs. Ivor Greenslade, ministering in Peru;
- The Greenslade children attending Bible School;
- Rev. Wm. Phillips; Yvon and Jeanette Geoffrion, French-Canadian workers in the Province of Quebec;
- The Trans World Radio Ministry;
- The Crystal Springs Bible Camp, Brantford, Ontario;
- Child Evangelism Bible Clubs;
- Rev. and Mrs. Russell Jackson, in Rhodesia, Africa;
- Four of our Young People attending Bible Schools
In 1963 a Boy’s Club was formed under the leadership of Ron Myers and George Laskey until 1966, when Clayton Davis and James Dargie assumed the leadership, and the following year (1967) the Club was organized as “The Rangers”, for boys from 8 to 15 years of age. A good work is accomplished with twenty to thirty lads, an important place being given to spiritual training as well as wholesome fun and physical fitness program.
Pastor MacFarlane was spared to minister over two years in the Church of his dreams. On May 12th 1964, after almost twenty-three years of service at Rawdon Street Mission and Church, our beloved Pastor was called to Higher Service. Words fail to express the deep shock and grief experienced in the passing of such a faithful servant of the Lord, who left this exhortation with us: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58)
For five months the Church was without a regular pastor, but wondrously the Lord undertook to meet the need by faithful messengers of The Word from week to week, through the efforts of the Pulpit Committee, consisting of Deacons E. Middleton, A. J. Gurney and C. Davis. The Deacons’ Board: E. Middleton, G. Fulkerson, C. Morrice, H. Willett, F. MacLeod, C. Davis, and A. J. Gurney very ably supervised the work and prayerfully carried on. We look back upon these times with full hearts and grateful.
“Such retrospect helps us of Him to grow fonder,—
Whose goodness and mercy have followed our days.”
On October 14th, 1964, the Bible School sustained a great loss in the passing of Mr. Stanley White, who had been teacher of the Adult Class for some time. Thus ended a 50-year record of teaching in Bible Schools.
Following the ministry of Rev. Leonard Dunn from October 27, 1964 to March 23, 1966, and that of Rev. C. B. Taylor from July 17, 1966 to February 13, 1972, much earnest prayer ascended for the Lord to send us an undershepherd of His own choice. Leaning heavily upon the Lord for His will to be done, our attention was directed in an unusual way to Rev. Richard A. Smith BA. BTh., to whom a unanimous call was extended to come and shepherd the flock. His acceptance was the source of unbounded thanksgiving to God for His great goodness in thus meeting our need. The Lord has blessed—and is still blessing—his ministry among us, which commenced August 13th, 1972.
Under the leadership of our dearly beloved Pastor Smith (and wife) the spiritual life of the Church has deepened, unity of fellowship enriched, missionary zeal has been increased, the indebtedness of the Church as been paid off, and four young folk are attending the Bible Schools, with a view to full or part-time Christian service, as the Lord may lead.
We now face the challenge for wider outreach with the Gospel. In the crucial times in which we are living, the need is greater than ever for people to hear the Word of the Lord.
Looking back over the twenty-five years of Church History, we cannot cease to praise God for many evidences of His care and provision. Accepting his challenge we MUST “GO FORWARD”, leaning on His Word, which cometh thus to us:
“The Lord thy God HATH BEEN with thee.” (Deut. 2:7)
“The Lord thy God IS with thee.” (Josh. 1:9)
“The Lord thy God WILL BE with thee.” (1 Chr. 28:20)