Archief - Nipper's Harbour Pastoral Charge fonds

Nipper's Harbour Pastoral Charge, established in 1885, was formerly part of Little Bay Islands Pastoral Charge and at one time was associated with Tilt Cove, Bett's Cove and White Bay. The pastoral charge was established to administer to the religious needs of the residents of Nippers Harbour and this pastoral charge boundary extended to Snooks Arm, Woodstock and Pacquet. Church records indicate that baptisms and marriages were being performed at Nipper's Harbour as early as 1874.

Because of the needs of Tilt Cove, the boundaries of the Nipper's Harbour Mission were extended from Three Arms to Cape John in 1888. In 1890 the boundaries of Nipper's Harbour Mission were extended again to include a larger area. The Little Bay, Nipper's Harbour and White Bay Mission's were readjusted resulting in Three Arms, Harry's Harbour and Jackson Cove and the whole of principal places included in the White Bay Mission being added to the Nipper's Harbour Mission. Nipper's Harbour Mission was divided again the following year and Tilt Cove was removed and renamed the Tilt Cove Mission with boundaries extending from Tilt Cove to La Scie with the remaining communities under the Nipper's Harbour Mission.

Nipper's Harbour and Tilt Cove were recorded together as a mission in 1895 with a total of 443 members. Edwin Moore and J.C. Sydney were listed as missionaries for the charge. Although the exact date of the building of a church in Nipper's Harbour could not be determined, records show that the Nipper's Harbour church was enlarged in 1896.

After 1925 the following communities were included in the Nipper's Harbour pastoral charge: Burlington, Smith's Harbour, Rouge Harbour, Middle Arm and Indian Burying Place.

On December 22, 1927, the United Church people of Nipper's Harbour sustained a great loss by destruction of their church by fire. This church was valued at $6,000 and was built by the congregation.

In 1928 its restoration was begun by Rev. J.D. Bourne, who organized a church rebuilding committee, and they set to work to erect another. The church was officially opened in 1929, built on the site of the old United Church and is still in operation today.