“Have you ever wondered about a church that moved to make way for a World’s Fair?
That’s the story of Bethel Baptist Church. It stands here today as a testament to faith and community. Bethel Baptist has a unique history. It is rooted in Montreal’s past.
In the early 1900s, immigrants from the United Kingdom started meeting. They wanted to worship as they had in the “Old Country.” This group of Plymouth Brethren gathered in a storefront. The address was 2481 St. Antoine St. They called their meeting place the Gospel Hall. It became one of Quebec’s first assemblies. They focused on breaking bread and gospel preaching. Their numbers slowly grew. A Sunday School began attracting local children.
Over time, the congregation diversified. Believers came from the West Indies via Nova Scotia. Afro-Canadians joined the fellowship. Some British members established another assembly. The original group added “Bethel” to their name. Bethel Gospel Hall became mainly West Indian. Despite their small numbers, they were faithful. Meeting during Montreal’s harsh winters was not easy.
The 1940s and 50s saw significant growth. Person-to-person witnessing brought many new members. Special gospel events also helped. Many people of African descent were saved and baptized. Mr. B.M. Nottage was one outstanding evangelist. He came from the Bahamas’ Nottage brothers. These brothers helped build many assemblies in the USA. Nottage’s work bore much fruit at Bethel.
The late 1950s brought more young believers from the West Indies. Youth activities became popular. Then came Expo ’67. Montreal prepared to host the World’s Fair. Many properties were taken by the government. They needed to construct an expressway. Bethel’s rented building was one of them. The church found temporary space in a community center. This lasted for five years.
Bethel sought a permanent home. In 1972, a church building became available in Westmount. The address was 4250 de Maisonneuve Boulevard West. A group of Baptists had built it long ago. Other groups had used it since, outgrowing it over time. Bethel purchased the building. It became Bethel Gospel Chapel. This name change was related to government regulations.
The three-story building can hold 250 people. The main auditorium features a sloped floor and curved pews. There is also a large balcony. About fourteen years ago, the church excavated a basement. This created more space for youth activities. Renovations provided facilities for the annual Thanksgiving Conference. The timber trusses were reinforced with steel. There are Sunday School classrooms, a nursery, and caretaker living quarters. The acoustics are excellent. The facade is protected as a heritage building.
Bethel Gospel Chapel has been richly blessed. The fellowship has remained around one hundred members. Many young members have moved to other parts of Canada for economic reasons. The Sunday School, Friday Youth meetings, and Vacation Bible School are well-attended. The early leaders have passed on. The current leadership follows the New Testament pattern.
Bethel Baptist Church stands as a beacon of faith. It adapted to Montreal’s changing landscape. It continues to serve its community with dedication.