For the first time ever, a national gathering of independent Baptists churches was held in Saskatchewan this week, and its local host, Prince Albert Baptist Church Minister Dave Webster, said the event was a resounding success.
Ministers from across Canada came to the event, which was made possible by access to the former St. Paul’s Presbyterian church on the corner of 12th Street and First Avenue East.
St. Paul’s congregation was formed by James Nisbet, who is credited with founding the City of Prince Albert, naming it after the Prince Consort of Queen Victoria.
“It went really well,” Webster said.
“Everybody from every corner in Canada left here saying it was one of the best conferences they had been to.”
Webster said the conference helped put Prince Albert on the map, and every minister left with a piece of the city in their hears.
“I told them, I want you to go home to your concern of Canada, and to remember to pray for us here,” he said.
“We have some great needs in Prince Albert. Please remember us here in P.A., the addicted, the homeless, our prison ministries. I think they did. They took a piece of P.A. back with them. For me, that was one of the goals of the conference.”
Webster said he found many of the workshops educational, such as enhancing ministries in the present culture, including teaching, addictions, prison and evangelism ministries.
“it was a very, very full conference, but it was rewarding,” he said.
Webster said the ministers were impressed by the sound of the pipe organ, an instrument used less and less in all churches, but especially rare in Baptist churches.
Most of all, Webster said, it was a chance to show what Prince Albert can do.
“It was a great honour and a privilege to be able to host … a first-time ever in Saskatchewan (conference), and to be able to host that first time in Prince Albert.
“it was something for Prince Albert to be proud of, and it was so special to hold that conference in that landmark church, a cornerstone of Prince Albert, where all of Prince Albert began. Where the name started, where the church started.
“That’s what was special for me.”
