Our Story

River Church is much more than a place of worship.  River Church is a people who worship.  As a matter of fact, for 178 years the torch of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been held high to light the way for generations of families to know God.  And this beautiful story continues unabated.  Birthed in 1845, when 27 persons covenanted together to establish a local church, the living God is today calling a new generation into a personal and passionate relationship with Him and His forever family.

We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God. This has been so throughout the days of the historic name, Little Southwest Baptist Church, to the present-day name, Miramichi River Baptist Church, commonly called River Church. Therefore, the Scriptures are to be learned and lived out in our daily lives. Our point of reference is unashamedly, “What does the Bible say?” All ages will have plenty of opportunities to grow spiritually through hearing, studying and applying God’s Word.

Throughout its history, River Church has taken seriously the words of Jesus, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” We come alongside parents to assist in the most innovative ways to bring up children in the nurture of the Lord. The loving hands of trained believers invest time and heart into ensuring that the best of processes and programs engage children and youth.  They, in turn, live out their faith in an ever-changing world. Family ministries are intentional at River Church!

Although our church has been served by more than forty senior pastors throughout its history, a high priority is placed on the involvement of all of its members. “Serve” is a catchphrase among us. What better way to grow in our spiritual journey than to serve God and others? You will discover a multitude of ways to use your God-given abilities and gifts in and through River Church. 

Our country roots do not impede us from reaching far beyond our geographical location.  River Church practices sharing Christ with the world. By going, sending, giving and praying we still are energized through our partnerships with missionaries, mission agencies and benevolent opportunities worldwide.   

River Church is a singing, musical, joyful experience. Perhaps you are being prepared by God to team up with others to enhance the worship of the Lord and the edification of believers vocally, musically or instrumentally. When we give of ourselves, we receive much more in return. You are not only needed but also are wanted within the various ministries of River Church.

Life at times is messy.  We all face disappointments, hurts, distractions, illnesses and losses. So, it is very important that we are building communities of care by doing life together within a Christian environment. By the grace of God and the supreme sacrifice of Christ we are offered forgiveness of our sins.  We are pilgrims on a journey to that “better place.” River Church is a place and a people travelling together. Come along!

Our Historic Timeline

1819    Founding of the original Miramichi/North Esk/Whitney Baptist Church.

1845    Founding of the Little Southwest Baptist Church with 27 charter members.

1847    Church officially received into the New Brunswick Baptist Association.

1848    Rev. William A. Coleman, first pastor.

1891    Dedication of the first Baptist church building, July 5th, 1891.  Location: Sillikers, NB.

1903    Regrouping of churches:  Little Southwest & Whitney become one field.

1919    Whitney Baptist Church (original Miramichi/North Esk Baptist Church) celebrates 100th Anniversary (1819-1919).

1945    Little Southwest Baptist Church celebrates its 100th Anniversary (1845-1945).

1966    Little Southwest Baptist Church becomes a single-charge church with its own pastor.

1970    Church becomes an unaffiliated Baptist Church apart from the Convention of the United Baptist Churches of Atlantic Canada.

1976    Dedication of major church facilities expansion.

1983    Dedication of new church auditorium and foyer.

1995    Little Southwest Baptist Church celebrates 150th Anniversary (1845-1995)

2020    Little Southwest Baptist Church celebrates its 175th Anniversary (1845-2020) amid a global pandemic.

2022    Adoption of a name change from “Little Southwest Baptist Church” to “Miramichi River Baptist Church”, to be commonly called “River Church.”