Our History

Murray Street Baptist Church (MSBC) started as a chapel in 1846. In 1884, the church moved to larger premises on Murray Street and after considerable growth a new building was constructed at the present location at 175 Murray Street in 1912. MSBC has been a landmark in downtown Peterborough.

Over the years a number of initiatives were started. In 1980 MSBC had a Cable Television program. 1987 Baptist Women was organized. 1989 was the 50^th Anniversary of Scouting in MSBC. A playground was created on MSBC property so that the “Y” (the present day old “Y”) could run a day care. In 1990 a lift was installed in a new addition to the building to make the building more accessible.

In that same year the Pioneer Club program was started. Handbells were purchased in 1996 and are used on a regular basis in worship. In 1999 the Heart-to-Heart group was started. In 2004 MSBC gave support to the chaplaincy program at Trent University and also support for the local “Habitat for Humanity”. 2006 was the 160^th Anniversary Year which saw innovative activities: A Youth Concert with Christian Rock Bands, co-sponsored by KAOS radio station and a circus for children. A Ministry to Youth and Families was begun.

In the intervening years there has been a strong emphasis on Social Action. Saturday Morning Breakfast was offered for a number of years.The Closet continues its ministry. A number of local groups use the facilities at MBSC for their ministries.

Each year brings further opportunities for compassion and social action.