153 John St S, Aylmer, ON N5H 2C6

Aylmer Baptist Church, established in 1816 by Rev. Reuben Crandell, is one of Ontario’s oldest Baptist congregations. Initially meeting in homes and barns near Orwell at Roger’s Corner, the congregation moved to Aylmer in 1843, constructing a frame chapel at Pine and John Streets. This was replaced by a brick building in 1871. A devastating fire on July 12, 1950, destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and tower. The community rallied, and the rebuilt church was dedicated on November 11, 1951. In April 2021, Rev. Dr. Michel R. Belzile became pastor, continuing the church’s long-standing service to the Aylmer community.

The Springwater Conservation Area is a project that began in 1971 by the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA), which was founded in 1950. It consists of 32 hectares of natural area which is open for public use, and has a six-hectare spring-fed reservoir. The reservoir offers swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing, and is bordered by 150 metres of sandy beach. There are hiking trails (8 km in total) located throughout the area (Trail Guides are available in the Visitor Centre and Administration Centre). Picnic areas offer ample space for outdoor sports and recreation. Springwater Forest is located across the road from the West campground. The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority has preserved and protected this 142-hectare ageless forest from unauthorized clearing. It provides an ideal environment for outdoor education, wildlife observation, nature studies, hiking, and general relaxation.

Over the years, numerous improvements have been made to the church. A basement was excavated in 1897. In 1923, the sanctuary was beautified by the addition of 13 stained glass memorial windows. A Christian Education building was completed in 1956. This building contains the auditorium and stage, a Fellowship Room, the church office, classrooms, the kitchen and washroom facilities. In 1995, St. Paul’s celebrated the 150th anniversary of the congregation, and the year 2000 marked the 125th anniversary of the church building.
Church Website

Weather permitting, we look forward to showing visitors drill, musket firing and cooking from
the time of the War of 1812. We will also discuss how the war influenced Southwest Ontario, especially with the effect of battles and skirmishes at Longwoods (1814), Hungerford (Reservoir) Hill (1813), McRae House in Chatham (1813), McArthur’s Raid (1814) and the role of Port Stanley in
General Sir Issac Brock’s victory at Fort Detroit in 1812.

The 1812 Royal Scots Grenadiers are a re-enactment unit of the War of 1812 created by the Upper Canada Military Re-enactment Society.

Based in South-Western Ontario, members of the Royal Scots Grenadiers regularly participate in re-enactment events throughout Ontario, New York, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.