The Davis Family in "1816-1991: A History Scrapbook, Aylmer Baptist Church"

The Davis family of Aylmer were pioneers in the area and staunch Baptists.  The Aylmer Baptist Church's "History Scrapbook" mentions several members of the family briefly.  William Davis, father of Adoniram Davis and our ancestor, was one of the church's first deacons, a title which appears on his gravestone.

"Among the first acts of the infant church was to name William Teeple and William Davis to the office of Deacon....These men bore the title of deacon as a signal honour and were known by it throughout the community.  The Elgin County Atlas refers to both men in this style."

In 1868, Adoniram and his father William were on a committee to raise funds for a larger building:

"The congregation had already recognized that they had outgrown the old chapel.  Seats were not available for all who wanted to come, and so at the annual business meeting on April 6, 1868, members accepted a recommendation put forward by Dr. Davidson to begin planning immediately for expanded accomodation....The fund raising committee consisted of Dr. Davidson, Dr. G.F. Clark...Deacon Clutton, Deacon Davis, A.J. Davis and Elias Adams." (p. 16).

The Davis family is mentioned in the chapter entitled "Pillars of the Church by George Lemon".  Jehial Davis is a brother of Deacon William Davis.

"There were around the middle period of this history of the church a number of families I deem worthy of mention.  There were the Clarks, the Davis--of the latter there were five families.  The Beemers, the Teeples and the VanPatters...I will make a special mention of the Jehial Davis family. Mr. and Mrs. Davis could always be depended upon in all matters relating to the churches best interests.  They were regular in attendance at the services and liberal contributors to all financial demands of the church.  He was treasurer of the church for many years.  He paid all accounts in cash--not by cheque as nowadays.  If there were an account due for payment and there were not funds enough on hand to meet it he would pay it out of his own purse and wait for the church to reimburse him, which the church would do at no distant date.  He was practically the churches private banker.  He was a thrifty farmer and his record of the church's finances were always found correct.  Of his two daughters--Mrs. Wm. Coll Sinclair and Mrs. Dr. Baker.  The former was a fine singer and was previous to her [marriage] and some time afterwards was a member of the choirs and for all told at least twenty years, and also the secretary of the mission circle for fifteen years.  The latter previous to her marriage the organist of the church for twelve years and now and then was a supply.  Her salary then was seventy five dollars a year payable quarterly.  She was also the organist at the mid-week prayer and praise services and in the sunday school room of the church.  The organ there was a cabinet organ.  She was a willing worker and always ready either as a pianist or oganist.  Dr. Chas. Sinclair a grandson of Jehiel Davis is now and has been for several years the financial secretary of the church and is one of the most capable officers the church has ever had." (p. 28-29).

My mother in law tells me that Minnie Davis and Arthur Scott met in the choir of the Aylmer Baptist church.

Finally, William Davis was involved with setting up the Aylmer Baptist Church's Sunday School:

"In 1849 Anna Beemer, encouraged by her success in day school teaching (she established the first public school in Aylmer) organized a Sunday School with corresponding success.  Deacon P. Clayton was appointed superintendant, Reuben Crandall was appointed Secretary-Treasurer and the following four brethren formed a committee:  A. Beemer, William Davis, James Lindsay and Reuben Crandall." (p. 41).

One slightly mysterious entry in the book regards an entry in the church minute book of 1853 by Dr. Davidson, the church minister:

"Su Sep 12--A great bustle in the Village.  The marriage of Dr. McLay & Polly Davis in the New Chapel--Many objecting to it."

The "Scrapbook" goes on to say that "Objections to the wedding were raised at prayer meeting, but Dr. Davidson gave his consent and the wedding took place before the new building was dedicated." (p. 18).

Polly was the daughter of David F. Davis, Adoniram's brother, so she would have been his niece and William Davis' granddaughter.  I have no idea what the objections were about.
  

Aylmer Baptist Church, 1902. 

This is what the Aylmer Baptist church website has to say about its early history:

"The congregation of Aylmer Baptist has been a witness to the community of Aylmer...for nearly 200 years.  Founded in 1816, we are one of the oldest churches in the area.  The church was founded by Rev. Reuben Crandall, the first Baptist minister to be ordained in Upper Canada....When he left us, the congregation numbered 30 members.   In the early days, services were held in homes and barns near Orwell at Roger's Corner.  It was also in this area of early meeting where our pioneer cemetery can be found.  We continued to worship here unitl 1843 when a new chapel was built at the corner of Pine Street and John Street, in Aylmer.  

Our present structure was not built until 1870-1871.  It was built under the pastorship of Rev. Dr. T.L. Davidson.  The estimated cost of the church building was $16,000 which included a $1,000 organ and a $400 bell.

One highpoint over our years was reached between 1901 and 1903, under a great preaching pastor, named Rev. Dr. J. Vining, who built up the congregation to 1,100 people in a building built to accomodate 750..."