The following is a partial history of Dundas Baptist Church, composed from information in "Dundas Baptist Church 1834-1984" written by Dorothy McDougall.
The Beginnings
The Baptist Church in the town of Dundas was organized in October of 1834. On Sept. 18 of that year, five men met in the home of Josiah Royce to discuss the possibility of forming a Baptist Church. They decided to invite the minister from Clinton (Beamsville) to come to Dundas to assist in organizing the local church. Elder Hill accepted the invitation and a month later he baptized three men and three women in the cold waters of Morden's Creek. Following the baptism, they met at Royce's house where Elder Hill gave the right hand of fellowship to the newly baptized. Royve was appointed a deacon, the Lord's Supper was observed, and thus ended the first day in the life of Dundas Baptist Church.
The First Church Building
After years of sharing the Union Meeting House with the Anglicans and Presbyterians, the Baptist's wanted to build a church of their own. By 1842, a brick building was erected on Park Street in Dundas. It contained a high pulpit and its pews were hard and straight, making no concessions for comfort. An immense stove occupied the centre of the floor. Seven years later a baptistry was built. This was the first Baptist Church building in Dundas.
Continued Ministry and a New Church Building
In the early years of Dundas Baptist Church, a series of ministers served the congregation faithfully. In June 1865, the original building succumbed to a fire that started in a neighboring carpentry shop. The people worshipped in the Presbyterian Church until a new building was completed in January 1866. Historians write: "The windows were of plain glass, the pews were straight and square, divided by a low partition in the centre. There was a pulpit, a tiny organ, and a corner for a choir. The new church had a wood-burning furnace in the basement and hot air rose through grills in the centre of the aisles."
Ministry and Growth
The new church building served as the home of Dundas Baptist Church for many years. Over those years, ministers came and went, offering leadership that saw the church grow significantly. Through two World Wars, and an economic depression, the people of Dundas Baptist Church remained ever dedicated to their faith and presence in the town of Dundas.
Renovation and Change
As the needs of the congregation changed, so too did the use of the church building. Following a renovation to the existing site in the early 1970's the people began actively looking for a new location where a new church building could be erected. After a series of attempts, a location was secured at 201 Governor's Road, where a building was completed in 2001.
Dedication Over the years
Through various ups and downs, changes and challenges, the people of Dundas Baptist Church have remained dedicated to ministry in Dundas. They have continually met for prayer, worship and praise. They have worked together to learn more about their faith and themselves. And they have focused on mission and outreach, engaging in ministries dedicated to the betterment of Dundas and beyond.
We invite you to join us as we write the ongoing history of Dundas Baptist Church together.