For Such a Time as This
The ink was hardly dry on whatever documents needed to be signed. But late October 1953 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Fellowship. In fact, it marked the beginning of the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada. Though many of the 200 or so churches from the Union and from the Independents who came together in that historic amalgamation had been in existence for a long time, this was the dawning of a new day, a fresh start, a reason to celebrate.
The following is an article that appeared in the newly minted Fellowship Baptist magazine that now represented both groups, published in 1954.
“We drove along the St. Lawrence the other day through towns and cities that seem not to have changed in the fourteen years that we have known the road. But a new day is dawning. Places that have been scarcely more than names are becoming important in the plans for a new day in Canada’s history. We are told that one town will be moved entirely from its present site. It may well be that small places will become great, and large places will become small. Canada has reached her majority. The wheels of progress are rolling and not even old homes or historic places will be reckoned sacred. All are expendable in the cause of progress.
“Coinciding with this new day in Canadian affairs our Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches has come into being. For over a quarter of a century in separate quarters we have been gaining in wisdom and experience. Now we are ‘come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.’ This is a new era for pioneers in the service of God.
“The reports that you read in this special issue of the Fellowship Baptist will show that already our missionaries have entered several strategic centres. This must continue. We have caught the vision. We have found that we can work together. Let us now set our objectives higher, higher, even higher. All Canada must hear our message and feel the impact of our churches as we carry on our work for God.
“This is Canada’s day and the day of Canada’s Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches.”[1]
The photo, taken ten years later, on the anniversary of the amalgamation, features the men who were significant in the coming together of the Union and the Independents. From left to right, John Armstrong, W. Hal MacBain, Norman Pipe, and Morley R. Hall, all giants in the history of the Fellowship.
The history is significant, but the sentiment is as current today as it was in 1954. This is Canada’s day more than ever and the day when the churches of our Fellowship need to stand and work together as never before.
[1] The Fellowship Baptist, Special Report Supplement, page 1, October 1954