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 Moderator, Rev. Andrea Anderson. Our Office is located on the second floor of the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia.
In 1917, interested women from AUBA 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.
The African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia is a member Association of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches.