Born at Coupar-Angus, Scotland, Buchanan graduated in medicine from Edinburgh University. He later became a Presbyterian minister and was called to Upper Canada. He arrived in Beckwith Township in August 1822 to become its first resident clergyman. For eleven years Buchanan served as minister, teacher and physician but when, in 1833, a stone church was completed, influential members of the congregation demanded that it be conducted under the auspices of the Church of Scotland. Buchanan, a Secessionist, refused and was barred from preaching in the new church. From then until his death he held services in his home for those of the congregation who supported his views.

Location

On the grounds of St. Paul's United Church, a successor to the 1833 church, Highway 15, Franktown

Themes

• People
• Religion