In the summer of 1897, some members of both First Baptist and McPhail Memorial Baptist Churches discussed beginning a Christian work in the southern part of Ottawa, known as "The Glebe".  On August 15, 1898, this group met in Moreland's Hall (known today as Fifth Avenue Court), situated diagonally across from our present church building. The first service was held on August 21, 1898, under the leadership of Rev. George Richardson. On the following Sunday, the first Sunday School was organized, and in October, regular week night prayer meetings got underway.

On April 20, 1899, the Recognition Council unanimously voted to recognize the new church.

The Rev. W.W. McMaster ministered to the new church from July, 1899 to May 1906. During his ministry, two lots at the corner of Bank and Fourth Avenue were purchased, and on August 3, 1904, the corner stone for our church building (in which was placed the bouquet of Fourth's first bride - Florence Howe-Fitzpatrick) was laid by Gordon Edwards, and the opening and dedication service was held on April 2, 1905.   Fourth Avenue Baptist has had 12 ministers since then, each with their own special talents and strengths. Our current minister, Rev. Ernie Cox, is as comfortable sitting on the piano bench as he is standing behind the pulpit.

Menbership and attendance has grown and waned. We started with a nucleus of 13. When our first minister left in 1906, we had grown to 164. By the mid 40s our membership stood at over 500. But by the 70s, membership had declined to 200. The 80s were especially hard at Fourth and its doors almost closed, but the 90s have seen an increased momentum and we are rebuilding with God's help and direction. Our current membership stands at 100 members.