Our History

The congregation of Aylmer Baptist has been a witness to the community of Aylmer for over 200 years. 

Established in 1816, we are one of the oldest churches in the area.  ABC was founded by Rev. Reuben Crandell, the first Baptist minister to be ordained in Upper Canada. When he left, the congregation numbered 30 members. 

Originally, services were held in homes and barns near Orwell at Roger’s Corner. It is in this area of early meetings where our pioneer cemetery can be found. ABC continued to worship here until 1843 when a new building was established at the corner of Pine Street and John Street in Aylmer. 

Our present structure was built during 1870/1871 under the pastorship of Rev. Dr. T. L. Davidson. The estimated cost of the building was $16,000 which included a $1,000 organ and a $400 bell. 

One highlight over our years was reached between 1901 and 1903, under a great preaching pastor named Rev. Dr. J. Vining, who built up the congregation to 1,100 people in a building built to accommodate 750. 

Tragedy struck on July 12, 1950 when a fire destroyed the church. The entire building looked like a bombed out cathedral from WWII, with only the walls and the tower remaining.  Even the bell in the tower came crashing down. The church was rebuilt at a cost of $138,000. $74,000 was raised by the congregation and $64,000 came from insurance. 

Ultimately, the original bell was re-established in the tower to ring again.