"The Durham Baptist Church was organized by Rev. Alexander Stewart, emigrated from Scotland in 1832 at the age of 18. He was interested in religion, was converted, and baptized in 1845. He was pursuaded by the Baptist Union to become a colporteur, and in this work-distributing Bibles-he traveled to Durham, Owen Sound, and Cape Rich. 

 

When Rev. A. Stewart came to Durham, he purchased Lot 12, south of Lambton Street, between Garafraxa and Albert Streets. Rev. Stewart orgsanized the first Baptist Congregation, consisting of 12 members, in this part of Ontario. Meetings were held in the members' homes until 1859 when the little Baptist Chapel was built on Lot 12 Albert Street. In the early years of Durham Rev. Stewart was the only minister in town and was called upon to minister to Protestants of all denominations. He was affectionately called "Father Stewart" by all.

 

Many years after the Baptist Chapel was built, it was moved to the corner of Lambton and Elgin Streets. It was given a coat of rough-cast at that time and the interior was renovated. In 1902 the frame church was moved to the back of the lot and a large red brick church was erected. This church, including church hall, had beautiful stained glass windows, one of which contained a protrait of Rev. Alexander Stewart. In 1928 a parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the church."

 

A History of the Town of Durham 1842-1994, compiled by The Durham Historical Committee. copywrite 1994 pp. 40, 42