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About Us

Overview

At Thornhill Baptist Church we are a growing congregation that is always pleased to welcome newcomers. In particular, we are happy to provide a doorway into the Christian faith for those who are discovering Jesus for the first time.

Our congregation is diverse, just like the neighbourhood in which we are located, but we are united by our commitment to Christ and our desire to glorify God through our worship and service.  It is our goal to be a community of believers who support and encourage one another in our spiritual journey.

Thornhill Baptist Church is affiliated with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. We cherish our Baptist heritage and celebrate the distinctive form it gives to our church and its ministry.  At the same time we embrace an ecumenical spirit and welcome opportunities to share with other Christian churches in Thornhill.

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History

Thornhill Baptist Church traces its history back to the day when the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec (as it then was) purchased the property on Yonge Street that had previously been occupied by Holy Trinity Anglican Church.  It was in this simple brick building that a modest number of Baptists from the area gathered on January 6, 1952, under the guidance of Rev. Harold Trinier.  In due course, the new congregation called its first minister, Rev. Percy Buck.

Since 1952, Thornhill Baptist has been served by the following ministers:

  • 1952-1959 – Rev. Percy G. Buck

  • 1959-1960 – Rev. James Smith (interim)

  • 1960-1970 – Rev. Dr. Minton C. Johnston

  • 1970-1984 – Rev. Ernest L. Johns

  • 1984-1989 – Rev. Gordon A. Walker

  • 1990-present – Rev. Paul Gibbon

Gloria Stafford joined the pastoral staff in 1998 as Director of Life Transitions Counselling.  As our Associate Pastor, Gloria provides leadership in a number of areas, including counselling, the youth group, and the Alpha programme.  She is also our Music Director.

On the 50th anniversary of the church in 2002, an addition to the building was opened. This addition added space and needed improvements to the facilities.

In 2018, a rapid increase in the size of the congregation prompted the decision to add a second worship service on Sunday mornings.  The growth of the congregation has continued.  What began as a small church in 1952 has become, by the grace of God, a diverse and substantial community of believers.

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