Who Are We?
Westfort Baptist Church is is a body of believers desiring to know the Lord Jesus Christ, and to make Him known in our city, our nation, our world, and most specifically in our lives.
We seek to encourage and equip people to walk with God daily, to build authentic community, and to reach others intentionally.
We invite you to get to know us, and to join us.
Westfort Baptist Church History
In celebration of our 100th anniversary, we recently added the following "History Highlights."
The following is abridged from the Westfort Baptist Church Jubilee Programme
Someone has said that "all history is mystery, until it becomes His Story." And so in connection with the history of Westfort Baptist Church we shall endeavor to show his leading and guiding.
In August 1909, a few Baptist people, residing in the Westfort section of [Thunder Bay,] felt the time had come to do a Baptist work.
They decided to meet at the home of Mr. C. Upton, to organize as a Baptist Church, and make plans for a building in which to worship.
After a season of prayer, leaders were chosen and a resolution adopted and presented that those present proceed to organize a regular Baptist church in West Fort William.
The first gathering of Westfort Baptist Church was on Sunday, December 12, 1909 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. Prayer meetings each Wednesday evening were started in homes. The Rev. L. Cameron, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Fort William, preached on the Lord's Day.
Through the gifts and donations of money, labour, and talent the present Westfort Baptist Church building opened on November 27, 1910. the Rev. Scott preached, and Rev. McDonald from First Baptist Church, Port Arthur led the dedicatory prayer. The fist Sunday School session was held on January 1, 1911. There were 5 teachers and 58 pupils on the roll.
In 1918, the church decided to take on the support of two native missionaries in India at the cost of thirty dollars. That year they gave $34.23 to Foreign Missions, $43.13 to Home Missions and $6.12 to Grand Linge Mission.
In the Spring of 1928, the mortgage on the church was paid off, the mortgage burned and God's people rejoiced.
Through the years many changes have been made to the church property. The interior of the building has been redecorated several times, the lighting improved, the church floor recovered with tile and the ceiling insulated, A new concrete floor has replaced the wooden one in the basement of the church. A balcony was added. Equipment purchased to further to effectiveness of fellowship, education and ministry.
We believe God has greater things in store for the church. May we continue to "live in the Spirit" and experience continually the "unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace."
It is our prayer and purpose that we who are permitted to "hold the Fort," will labour that souls may be saved and added to the church. Our Lord's command is to "Go Forward." There is no standing still in God's work. May he fill our lives to overflowing that others, taking notice may say," Behold how good, and how pleasant it is for brethren (our church) to dwell together in unity."
