Our story began in 1995.
When writing history, one must be honest. And so, lamentably, we acknowledge that Markdale Baptist came into existence from a split with Rock Mills Baptist Church (founded c.1890). We rejoice that the cause of the split has been largely forgotten and was of an inconsequential nature. Today, these sister churches enjoy close fellowship. Through God's great grace, Markdale Baptist Church was born.
When writing history, one must be honest. And so, lamentably, we acknowledge that Markdale Baptist came into existence from a split with Rock Mills Baptist Church (founded c.1890). We rejoice that the cause of the split has been largely forgotten and was of an inconsequential nature. Today, these sister churches enjoy close fellowship. Through God's great grace, Markdale Baptist Church was born.
Our first meeting was on January 1, 1995, with 70 people in attendance at the Markdale Service Centre. Two weeks later, we began meeting at Kids & Us (old Arc Industries on Walker St.). Pastor Earl Ambrose was called October 1, 1995, though numbers had dipped to 50, only to rebuild under his ministry.
On April 17, 1998, our present lot was purchased. A year later, on April 17, 1999, the church became part of the Blue Water Association of Baptist Churches (and ultimately the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches). On one Sunday before our present building was erected, $19,000 was collected! Work began on the new church building in August of 1999. Meanwhile, the church began meeting at the chapel of Grey Gables nursing home in December of 1999. Construction of the new building continued until May of 2001. Meanwhile, we had our first service in the Lower Hall on June 4, 2000 and the first in the Upper Hall on April 22, 2001. The church building was dedicated on May 6, 2001. |
The Construction of MBC |
After twelve and a half years of ministry with us, Pastor Earl was called elsewhere. We were nearly two years without a pastor until Pastor Bruce Laidlaw and his family joined us in 2010. The Lord took Pastor Bruce home in May 22, 2018. Through the Lord's grace, He taught the church much through this heavy hand of providence.
As Pastor Bruce fell ill, our partner in mission, Ken (and Mary Ann) Jolley, were returning from the mission field. Ken provided consistent teaching for 2018-19 until the church's third pastor was called. In May 2019, the Crockers visited Markdale to explore ministry possibilities and a call was extended to them. They joined the church on September 1st, 2019.
As Pastor Bruce fell ill, our partner in mission, Ken (and Mary Ann) Jolley, were returning from the mission field. Ken provided consistent teaching for 2018-19 until the church's third pastor was called. In May 2019, the Crockers visited Markdale to explore ministry possibilities and a call was extended to them. They joined the church on September 1st, 2019.
