Our Story: The History of Dalesville Baptist Church
Humble Beginnings (1820–1825)
In 1820, a young Scottish schoolteacher named Duncan McPhail arrived in Chatham. A devout Baptist and former student of Haldane’s class in Edinburgh, Duncan came at the invitation of fellow believers to share his gifts and earn his living through manual labor. He was granted land and began serving the spiritual needs of the community. Despite challenges and divisions among settlers, the spiritual life of the area remained strong.
A Sunday School was established, where Scripture—mostly in Gaelic—was taught to all who wished to attend. These early gatherings were informal, heartfelt, and marked by a deep sense of freedom and fellowship.
A Sunday School was established, where Scripture—mostly in Gaelic—was taught to all who wished to attend. These early gatherings were informal, heartfelt, and marked by a deep sense of freedom and fellowship.
“There was the greatest freedom, where everyone seemed to be at home and used their
liberty—even to the draw of a pipe—while the good brother expounded a passage of Scripture.”
The Founding of The Church (1825)
While working in the fields one day in 1825, Duncan McPhail and Robert McNaughton discussed the pressing need for a church. They decided that, if necessary, they would begin one themselves. By the next day, three others joined them. The five believers gathered to commemorate the Lord’s death with wine and prayer.
With no formal counsel, they believed that a small group of Christians, united in faith, could build a church upon the Rock—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Thus, the Dalesville Baptist Church was born—likely the second Baptist church established in Canada. Early meetings were held in settlers’ homes. Families walked long distances through the woods, often carrying their children. The first baptism took place at McGregor’s Bridge, when
Mrs. John McGibbon was baptized.
With no formal counsel, they believed that a small group of Christians, united in faith, could build a church upon the Rock—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Thus, the Dalesville Baptist Church was born—likely the second Baptist church established in Canada. Early meetings were held in settlers’ homes. Families walked long distances through the woods, often carrying their children. The first baptism took place at McGregor’s Bridge, when
Mrs. John McGibbon was baptized.
Growth and Early Challenges (1828–1835)
By 1835, the church had grown to 29 members. However, internal disagreements hindered its progress. In 1828, missionary John Edwards—who had arrived in Canada in 1822—visited Dalesville and began nurturing the church. In 1832, he persuaded William Fraser to come from Scotland to support the mission. Fraser’s visit brought healing and unity to the congregation, preparing the way for revival.
The First Great Revival (1835)
Daniel McPhail, Duncan’s son, showed remarkable spiritual maturity and speaking ability. Between 1830 and 1835, he led the church’s Sunday School and helped lay the foundation for renewal.
In January 1835, Rev. John Gilmour visited Dalesville, deeply moved by the church’s humble beginnings. That same day, he was joined by William Fraser, and together they led what became known as “The First Great Revival.” By year’s end, 79 new members had joined the church.
On May 18, 1835, the church resolved to construct a permanent place of worship—a 40x35-foot stone building. Despite being unfinished inside, services began there on January 20, 1836. The masonry work cost $286, fully paid. That building served generations of believers.
In January 1835, Rev. John Gilmour visited Dalesville, deeply moved by the church’s humble beginnings. That same day, he was joined by William Fraser, and together they led what became known as “The First Great Revival.” By year’s end, 79 new members had joined the church.
On May 18, 1835, the church resolved to construct a permanent place of worship—a 40x35-foot stone building. Despite being unfinished inside, services began there on January 20, 1836. The masonry work cost $286, fully paid. That building served generations of believers.
Our first Pastor: John Edwards Jr. (1836)
In 1835, John Edwards Jr. was called to be Dalesville’s first official pastor and was ordained on February 23, 1836.
He served faithfully until 1843, when he answered a call to minister in St. Andrews. Much credit is due to John Edwards Sr., who tirelessly traveled between Canada and the UK in search of missionaries
and support. He was ordained in 1831 and baptized his son the same day.
He served faithfully until 1843, when he answered a call to minister in St. Andrews. Much credit is due to John Edwards Sr., who tirelessly traveled between Canada and the UK in search of missionaries
and support. He was ordained in 1831 and baptized his son the same day.
The Second Great Revival (1843)
Around this time, John King, a young convert in Edinburgh, was discovered preaching on the streets by John Edwards Sr. Feeling the call to missions, he sailed to Canada and eventually visited Dalesville.
King recounted:
King recounted:
“An old man named McFaul prayed with such earnestness for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that
I was emboldened to keep preaching. Though the chapel was cold and smoky, people came from all over to hear the Word. Some older members were awakened and began caring again for
the souls of others.”
Over the next five weeks, 50 new believers joined the church—an event now remembered as “The Second Great Revival.” In December 1843, King accepted a pastoral call to Dalesville. He married the daughter of Deacon McGibbon and remained until his ordination nine years later. His salary was $140 a year, plus board.
King's ministry saw more than 450 baptisms, including 250 by his own hand. He also began services in Lachute, eventually founding the Lachute Baptist Church, which celebrated its 115th anniversary in 2001. French services began there in 1994 under Pastor Toe-Blake Roy, and regular attendance continues today.
King's ministry saw more than 450 baptisms, including 250 by his own hand. He also began services in Lachute, eventually founding the Lachute Baptist Church, which celebrated its 115th anniversary in 2001. French services began there in 1994 under Pastor Toe-Blake Roy, and regular attendance continues today.
Legacy of Faithful Leadership
Over the years, Dalesville Baptist Church has been blessed with many dedicated pastors and seasons of renewal. During Rev. Ford’s ministry (1929–1939), a ten-day revival led to 39 baptisms in the Dalesville River. A hole was dug to accommodate the baptisms.
Our Pastoral Lineage Includes:
|
Rev. A.E. White (1910–1914)
Rev. W.G. White (1914–1918) Rev. Charles Hardie (1936–1942) Rev. George B. Hicks (1942–1951) Rev. Donald Merret (1952–1956) Rev. Kenneth Miller (1956–1959) Rev. Lorne Hisey (1959–1973) Rev. Gary Simpson (1974–1982) |
Rev. David Brandon (1982–1984)
Rev. Barry Howson (1985–1996) Rev. Ted Molyneaux (1996–2000) Pastor John Hodgson (2001–2003) Pastor Eddie Buchanan (2004–2018) Pastor Sam Klass (2019–2023) Pastor Matt Fraser (2023–2025) Rev. Ted Molyneaux (2025–Present) |
Honoring the Past, Living the Mission
From five faithful believers in a field to generations of baptisms, revivals, and ministry, Dalesville Baptist Church continues to stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ. We give thanks for those who came before us and look ahead with hope, trusting that the same Spirit who stirred hearts in 1825 is still moving today.
“I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
—Matthew 16:18
