Baptist Church celebrating 180 years in Paris

By Casandra Turnbull

During the month of October, it’s not unusual for parishioners to recognize their church’s anniversary, however this month, Baptist Church members have a little more to celebrate as they praise 180 years in the community.

The Paris Baptist Church, located right on the corner of William and Broadway Street West in downtown Paris, has a very lengthy history in town and worshipers are prepared to celebrate that longstanding connection with a special concert, as well as several other planned activities. Next weekend the church is opening its doors and inviting folks to join them for a Concert of Praise featuring Dr. John Vandertuin. Vandertuin is a renowned organist, pianist, composer, vocalist and teacher from Brantford. He’s served as organist and choir director at churches across southwestern Ontario and has performed across Canada, the United States and in France and the Netherlands. He studied organ in Paris with the blind French organist Jean Langlais and studied Music Braille at the Ontario School for the Blind in Brantford. His performance will officially launch the celebration of the church’s rich history. The concert starts at 7 pm, there is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted. The next event will be the 180th anniversary supper on October 28th , an opportunity for parishioners to discuss the church’s roots in Paris. Undoubtedly there will be a lot to talk about.

The congregation was founded in 1843 and built their first church on what is now called Bobby West Street, at the top of Dundas and King Edward Streets (just beside the lookout point) When it was evident a larger church was required, in 1885 they commissioned architect John Turner to design the new church at its current downtown location. It officially opened in October 1885. Under the ministry of Rev H H Bingham, the membership rose to over 500 and so did the need to add the gallery, which was completed on September 30, 1908, by the Schultz Bros of Brantford.

Over the years, lots of care has poured into the building

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The stained-glass windows were installed in December 1913 when the previous ones were destroyed during a windstorm on Good Friday; The Good Shepherd Window was installed in 1919 in memory of Ernest Apps and Charlotte Gurney (grandparents of former NHL player Syl Apps); The Franklin Legge organ was installed on June 27, 1929.; The background scenery in the baptistry was painted by John Duce in 1942 and retouched in 1972 by member Dale Crozier. It was always a labour of love for those devoted to the Baptist Church

As the years rolled on one thing remained the same - worshipers all shared the hope of Christ in the heart of Paris There’s been countless choir performances, drama presentations, bible studies, fellowship trips and church picnics.

Paris Baptist Church has welcomed children for Vacation Bible School, a booth at Springtime in Paris, caroling at Jingle Bell Night, Open House after the Christmas parade, as well as community food drive. They’ve hosted the Watoto children’s choir, donations to missions through Hope Story, the Sharing Way, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, Friendship House Brantford, Camp Oneida, and Child Evangelism Fellowship. There’s been lots of accomplishments and growth to

Celebrate

In recognition of that 180 years of camaraderie, there will be a special Anniversary Service on Sunday, October 29th with guest speaker Paul Lam from Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. The church’s doors are always open to new members so if you’re looking for a space to practice religion and develop new friendships, now’s the perfect time when you can learn all about this deeply, rooted community church. Worship is every Sunday and there are Sunday School opportunities for young families. For more information you can visit the church online or call 519442-3541.