1973
Immanuel United Baptist Church of Westphal in Dartmouth was birthed as an outreach from Steven’s Road United Baptist Church of Dartmouth in the spring of 1973 under the pastorship of Rev. Douglas A. C. Porter. Sunday school was started at William Ross School, September 1973. Mr. Charles Cann Sr. was Assistant Superintendent and Miss. K. Smith the pianist. 100 people were enrolled.
1974
A full time pastor came on board in July 1974. Rev. and Mrs. John S. Beers from Lawrencetown United Baptist Church accepted the call. There was an induction service the evening of 22 September 1974. Mr. Edwin Paul then became the new Sunday School Assistant Superintendent and Mrs. Catherine Olsen the pianist. Church average attendance was 50.
1975
In 1975, the first baptism took place. It was held at Steven’s Road United Baptist Church. Mr. Edwin Paul, Mr. Ronald Ringer, and Mrs. Catherine Olsen were baptized on 25 May 1975. Two weeks later a list of people wishing to become chartered members was filed. On 14 September 1975, the name Immanuel United Baptist Church was documented for the first time.
1976
By May 1976, the Chartered Membership had grown to 30 members. Two deacons were elected to the church, Mr. William Courrier and Mr. Ronald Ringer. In 1976, Immanuel Church purchased 1.5 acres overlooking Lake Loon from Mr. McLean. The sod turning ceremony was held on 27 June 1976 at 3 PM at the site on Montague Road. The church was built under the contract of Mr. B. D. Stevens, the exterior and the upper level of the interior only. Volunteers from Immanuel and Steven’s Road completed the lower level at a later date. Sunday, 14 November 1976 the first service was held in the new church building with 131 people in attendance.
1977
In 1977, the first Annual meeting was held 1 March.
Donations were as follows:
Organ – Mr. Irving Balcolm
Painting of sanctuary – Mr. Bill Lunn
Piano – St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Piano tuning – Mr. Melvin George
Pulpit Bible – Steven’s Road DVBS
Building Fund Gift – Middleton DVBS/Lawrencetown United Baptist Church & Mulgrave Park Baptist Sunday School
Scenic Baptistery Painting – Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ryan
On Sunday, 3 April 1977, the official opening and dedication of Immanuel United Baptist Church of Dartmouth took place with 118 people in attendance.
On 15 May 1977, the first baptism in the church took place. Miss Cathy Middleton (now Mrs. Cathy Faber), Mr. Allen Newman, and Mrs. Diana Newman were baptized.
On 28 June 1977, the first marriage was solemnized between Miss. Glennis Publicover and Mr. Eugene Hiltz.
On 16 September 1977, the first formal wedding took place on the 2nd anniversary of the church between Miss. Heather Ann Feener and Mr. Ronald Bayers.
On 23 November 1977, the new pews arrived. The pews were made at Springhill Medium Security Penitentiary at Springhill, Nova Scotia.
1978
On 5 March 1978, the new pews were dedicated. Sunday School enrollment was 145 and church membership was 36.
In April 1978, Rev John Beers retired, his last Sunday being 27 August 1978.
On 17 September 1978, Rev. Bradford Durkee accepted the call on the church’s 3rd anniversary.
In the fall of 1978, a vote to build a parsonage was carried.
Fast Forward to 2008
The present Pastor, Rev. Leslie Ingraham, has been with Immanuel United Baptist Church in Dartmouth since December 1991. He and his wife Lois live at the parsonage next door to the church. They have one son, Scott, and one daughter, Beth. His desire is to see spiritual growth in the Christian church and to see people come to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you want to know how to receive Jesus as your personal Saviour, see the contact page or the vision page.
The Board of Directors of Immanuel United Baptist Church of Westphal in Dartmouth are John Paul Carette (Treasurer), Peter Fevens (Secretary), Ellis Britten (Director). The Pastor is the Chairperson.
The Music Ministry Team Peter Fevens (guitar) and Anne Britten (sound system and recorded praise and worship)
The Church Clerk is Lois Ingraham.