One of the first Baptist missionaries to serve the scattered communities along the north shore of Lake Ontario, Turner came to Upper Canada from New York State and settled in this vicinity by 1798. With great dedication, he ministered to the residents of Thurlow and Sidney Townships, conducting services in pioneer homes and organizing several congregations, including the forerunner of this parish. In 1802, Turner and two other American missionaries, Reuben Crandall and Joseph Winn, formed the Thurlow Baptist Association, the first Baptist association in the province. Until his return to the United States nine years later, Turner worked with Crandall and Winn to ensure the growth of this association, thereby assisting in establishing a permanent organizational framework for the Baptist Church in eastern Ontario.

Location

On the grounds of Sidney Baptist Church, Baptist Church Road and Concession 8, off Highway 14, near Stirling

Themes

• People
• Religion