About us.
We look forward to getting to know you - find out here a bit about us!
Our history.
Our present goal is the revitalisation of NBC to have a massively positive influence on Nelson and the region. Yet we have a rich history.
Founded in 1851, Nelson Baptist holds the honour of being the first Baptist Church in New Zealand. Reverend Decimus Dolamore, from Yorkshire, England, was the first minister of the Church and it's fifteen members! They initially meet at the Campbell School room, now part of the Suter Art Gallery.
Interestingly, the foundation stone for the church building was laid on the 20th of October 1852; however, many labourers were uprooted from the building of the Church to undertake the building of a Brewery which delayed the opening services until December 1854!
More of our fascinating history here www.theprow.org.nz/places/nelson-baptist-church
We now get to meet in this stunning and unique building that holds a Heritage 2 National listing and a Heritage 1 local listing.
Yet the greatest heritage we have will always will be the people of the church, and the greatest thing we can do is follow Jesus!
Our future.
NBC is revitalising by responding to what God asks us to do and who God is sending us - and it is exciting! We also want to ask what is vital for us to be doing as a church.
This means integrating new people well and providing great opportunities to lead and serve and feel part of this church community.
It also means revitalising our facilities to be effective tools for caring for people and for our community. This means making big calls as we restore our heritage facilities, deconstructing some end-oflife parts of our buildings, and utilising our modern facilites next door for church use as well as income generation. We want to make smart decisions for now and for future generations at NBC.
Our story.
More than a logo or brand, this tells our story and represents us in our community.
Koru represents:
Our new life in Jesus, health & growth, new growth supported by the past, vertical & heavenward growth, and the colours reflect Nelson’s natural beauty
Circular shape represents:
Our proximity to Centre of NZ, the Holy Spirit invisibly dwells within us, and that God is after our heart – the centre of us!
The front of the Waka represents:
First NZ Baptist church (an honour & a responsibility, moving forwards with the Holy Spirit's guidance & direction, togetherness in the waka, and a unique NZ design
Giving.
We get to do the amazing things we do as a community through people contributing financially.
If you are a guest, you will never be asked to give financially.
But if you are a follower of Jesus, we believe that God gives us MORE than what we need, that we can trust him to supply for us and that he encourages us to be generous and to look out for the needs of others.
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Giving: Nelson Baptist Church 02-0704-0044159-000
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Building giving: Nelson Baptist Church 02-0704-0044159-002
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Include your name for tax receipt purposes
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Envelopes & offering bowl in the foyer
Healthy Church.
If a church is healthy, it will grow in good seasons and survive in tougher seasons.
We want to aim to be a healthy church, but these are eight key measures that we use. We believe if we get these eight fundamental areas of church right, then God can utilise NBC as an effective and healthy church.
Maitai Baptist Trust.
The church owns the next door building at 197 Bridge Street and his is managed on behalf of the church by the Trust.
EXCITING: The church will have offices and meeting rooms in the downstairs of the 197 building from October 2026. It means the church has the best of both worlds - stunning heritage buildings as well as modern facilities.
This building was built following the sale of a church campground in the Maitai Valley. The building is now debt free and it currently provides both income for the NBC and grants to organisations in the Tasman area.
More info.
WHAT IS A BAPTIST?
We love being part of the Baptist NZ family of churches www.baptist.org.nz
HEALTH & SAFETY Please contact us if you have any health and safety concerns - this is a responsibility for ALL of us.
