The roots of the Primitive Baptist Conference are found in the work of Benjamin Randall, whose convert Asa McCray was instrumental in forming churches in Nova Scotia.
George Wightfield Orser (1813–1885) was ordained among the Free Christian Baptists in 1843.
In July 1875, representatives from seven churches met and formed the Free Baptist Conference of New Brunswick.
As churches were added from Nova Scotia, Maine and Massachusetts, the conference became the Primitive Baptist Conference of New Brunswick, Maine and Nova Scotia.
A small group of Christians from these churches have maintained themselves separately as Primitive Baptists.