Organized religion has shaped New Brunswick since first contact by European explorers, traders and then settlers. Starting with Catholic missions, Christian denominations gradually expanded to include the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and other Church of England activities in 1749. These church-based institutions took on the care of the sick and poor, through hospitals, orphanages and temporary homes for seamen and others; they also provided education and community supports. By 1775, Protestant sects had diversified, with the Great Awakening, and Loyalist Anglican influences began to emerge. Since then, Christian sects have developed further and been joined by non-Christians with the province's multicultural demography.
This bibliography lists published materials related to religions practiced in New Brunswick since first contact. Formats include books, journal articles, reports, pamphlets, sermons, charges, forms of prayer/service, diocesan reports, cookbooks, church/parish histories, BMD registers, clergy lists, orders of service, etc., all published in New Brunswick or written by New Brunswickers, or substantially about New Brunswick. While the collection focuses on works in English, some overlap with the collection listed at the Centre d'études acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson at l'Université de Moncton is necessary to include the contributions of Franco-Catholics.
Although under the general aegis of New Brunswickana, this collection exercises some flexibility with geographic location. Since provincial borders are time-bound, Quebec and Nova Scotia are sometimes included. Ecclesiastical borders expand the scope of this collection as well.
This is a growing collection, and entries will be added as they are identified. Please send any suggestions to jsmyth@unb.ca.
Acknowledgements:
This bibliography was enriched and informed by the generous contributions of archivists and librarians throughout the region. The compiler would especially like to thank:
- Joanne Aiton Kerr and Julia Thompson, of the New Brunswick Provincial Archives in Fredericton NB
- Pat Townsend and staff, of the Atlantic Baptist Archives at Acadia University in Wolfville NS
- Mary Kilfoil McDevitt, of the Catholic Diocese of Saint John Archives in Saint John NB
- Katherine Biggs-Craft, of the Moses Polowin Memorial Library at the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum in Saint John NB
- Evelyn Fidler, of Heritage Resources at King’s Landing New Brunswick
- Sarah Wallace, of the United Church of Canada Archives, in Sackville NB
- Kim Arnold, of the Presbyterian Church in Canada Archives, in Toronto ON
- Mary Kuna and staff at the New Brunswick Museum Archives and Research Library in Saint John NB
- Christine Lovelace and staff at the University of New Brunswick Archives in Fredericton NB
- Lex Stephenson and Sister Monica Plante of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception Archives in Saint John, NB
Thanks are also owed to Aggie Sliwka of the University of New Brunswick Libraries, who assisted with verifying and cleaning of records.