As Saint John gradually expanded to the east and west, one portion of the eastern part of the city was known as Coldbrook. In the fall of 1917, St. Bartholomew’s Church was opened for public worship on Rothesay Avenue. St. Bartholomew’s remained on Rothesay Avenue until 1960. By then the congregation had expanded and a larger building was needed. At that time the large new subdivision (Forest Hills) was being established behind St. Bartholomew’s and the decision was made to build the new and larger church in the subdivision.
The amalgamation of St. Mary’s and St. Bartholomew’s became officially effective on October 1st, 1967. Services were held in the basement of the new building until the furnishings from St. Mary’s could be set in place and the building completed. The first service in the completed sanctuary was held on Christmas Eve, 1967.