Our History
The African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia was founded by Reverend Richard Preston in 1854. Reverend Preston was a former slave from Virginia, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1815. This Association is comprised of nineteen historically Black Baptist Churches in Nova Scotia. The AUBA has a long and distinguished history of serving the Black community throughout Nova Scotia. The AUBA has played an important role in nurturing the spirit of not only Black, but many Nova Scotians. This organization is far more than a religious organization – it has served as a centre for education opportunities, a trailblazer for social change and remains a strong voice for hundreds of black families throughout Nova Scotia.
We are currently under the leadership of our New Moderator, Brother George Gray since August 2014. Our Office is located on the second floor of the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia.
In 1917, the women met and asked permission from the AUBA Executive to formally organize the Ladies Auxiliary of the AUBA. Sister Maude Sparks was its first President. Although Sister Margaret Upshaw was the first official organizer, the bulk of the formation of women’s work was carried on by Sister Muriel States, who was official organizer for thirty-eight years.
In 1938, Reverend W.P. Oliver was asked by the Association Executive to promote the work of the Baptist Young People’s Union within our Association. Sister Selena David became its first President. Today, the group is known as the “Baptist Youth Fellowship”. In 1944, the Laymen’s Council of the AUBA was organized by the Association. Brother J. A. R. Kinney became its first President. Today, our Laymen’s work continues to flourish.
Below is a list of active AUBA churches in each District:
District One
Cherry Brook United Baptist Church, Cherry Brook, Halifax County
East Preston United Baptist Church, East Preston, Halifax County
Saint Thomas Baptist Church, North Preston, Halifax County
Victoria Road United Baptist Church, Dartmouth, Halifax County
District Two
Beechville Baptist Church, Beechville, Halifax County
Cobequid Road United Baptist Church, Lower Sackville, Halifax County
New Horizons Baptist Church(formerly Cornwallis Street Baptist Church), Halifax, Halifax County
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Hammonds Plains, Halifax County
Lucasville United Baptist Church, Lucasville, Halifax County
Windsor Plains United Baptist Church, Three Mile Plains, Hants County
District Three
Acaciaville United Baptist Church, Acaciaville, Digby County
Gibson Woods United Baptist Church, Gibson Woods, Kings County
Greenville United Baptist Church, Greenville, Yarmouth County
Inglewood United Baptist Church, Inglewood, Annapolis County
Mount Beulah United Baptist Church, Weymouth, Digby County
District Four
Second United Baptist Church, New Glasgow, Pictou County
Sunnyville United Baptist Church, Sunnyville, Guysborough County
Tracadie United Baptist Church, Monastery, Antigonish County
Zion United Baptist Church, Truro, Colchester County
The African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia is a member Association of the
Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches.