1868
The first conversations
Evangelist Druery visited Baptists meeting occasionally in Grafton. Further encouragement came with a visit by Rev. D. Fenwick in November 1875.
1876 – 2026
Our story
150 years of faith and community in Grafton.
A faithful beginning
After the flood
Grafton Baptist Church began the day after one of the Clarence's most devastating floods.
On Sunday 9 July 1876, eleven foundation members met in the home of Mr R. Dickson. Under the leadership of Baptist Union secretary Rev. Frederick Hibberd, a church was formed.
Those pioneers could not have imagined every chapter that would follow. Their story is now part of ours: people hearing God's Word, finding hope in Jesus and serving their community.
“Ultimately, this is the work of God.”
Rev. Timothy McManus · 150th anniversary booklet
Through the generations
Milestones
1876
Eleven people. A new church.
On 9 July, the day after a devastating Clarence River flood, eleven foundation members formed Grafton Baptist Church in the home of Mr R. Dickson. Rev. Richard Becher became the first resident minister. The first church building opened on 24 December.
1885
A home on Oliver Street
The women of the church funded the purchase of the present site in 1884. The new building, designed by W. H. Waterhouse and built by H. F. Sault, opened on 29 March 1885.
1876-1960s
Beyond the town
Members took services and teaching into surrounding settlements, including Lawrence, Southgate, Ulmarra, Calliope, Tucabia, Whiteman Creek and Coutts Crossing. The story reached far beyond one building.
1951
Room for the next generation
A youth centre was built behind the church on Queen Street. Children’s ministry, camps, Sunday School and the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades became part of the lives of many local families.
1969-2005
The preschool years
South Grafton activities came together with the Grafton congregation in 1969. The former South Grafton buildings became Jacaranda Pre-School, which served local families before being sold as an ongoing preschool in 2005. It is not a current church-run ministry.
1974-1976
Renewal and a centenary
Major renovations joined the church and hall in 1974. In July 1976, services, a dinner and a concert marked a century of ministry. The 125th anniversary followed in 2001.
2013
The Hub years
On 3 December 2013 the church adopted the name The Hub Baptist Church. It later shared a network with churches in other Northern Rivers locations.
2016
Community Space
Community Space began with support from BaptistCare. The church continued the ministry with its own resources after that support ended, with food supplied through Foodbank and Coles SecondBite.
2023-2025
A new season
An accessible entrance ramp was added in 2023. Tim McManus began as pastor in July 2024 and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 2025.
2026
Grafton Baptist Church, again
Following the end of the Hub association of churches, the congregation returned to its original name. Our 150th year looks back with gratitude and forward with a renewed focus on making disciples and sharing Jesus.
People & ministry
Beyond the milestones
The church's story includes Sunday School teachers, lay preachers, musicians, volunteers and families whose service rarely made headlines. Women's groups supported the purchase of land, relief work, mission and local families. Members served in overseas mission and ministry training.
It also includes radio broadcasts, church camps, community celebrations and practical projects. Our anniversary booklet preserves these memories, including accounts from earlier anniversary publications.
Some dates and details in the historical record are uncertain. This timeline distinguishes the church's formation in 1876 from the opening of its present building in 1885.
For the complete 150th anniversary booklet, including photographs and personal recollections, ask the church for a copy.
Our anniversary programme