Advent Christian Church (Danville, Que.)

The Advent Christian Church in Danville, Quebec was formally organized in August 1851 with 27 members under the pastorship of Elder John Porter. Prior to that time, during the 1840s, Adventism had been growing in popularity in Quebec, particularly in the Eastern Townships under two main denominations: Evangelical Adventists and Christian Adventists. The Advent Christian Church was the first Christian Adventist church to be established in Quebec. Adventism began to gain a number of believers in the Township of Shipton through tent meetings and conferences that were held there in 1849, 1850, and 1851 when well-known pastors from the United States would preach. At this time, the Christian Adventist denomination was known for its weak official organization and lack of church buildings. Therefore, the Advent Christian Church of Danville is somewhat unique for their decision to erect their own church building by 1854 on Water Street. By 1873, the Advent Christian Church had joined the Adventist Federation of Canada East and Vermont. In 1902, they had completed a second church building, which is still located on the corner of Grove and Crown Streets in Danville. During the nineteenth century, camp meetings, usually held outside and during the summer, were significant activities for Christian Adventists where pastors from the United States would be invited to preach. Today, Adventist camp meetings are still held at the camp meeting site in Beebe. Governed by a board of directors and aided by committees, the Advent Christian Church in Danville remains as one of the two Christian Adventist churches that is still active in the Eastern Townships.