At Thornhill Baptist Church we are a growing congregation that is always pleased to welcome newcomers. In addition to being a friendly church, we intend to be a church where people can make friends. Our church family is just the right size for us to be able to know and care for one another. While we are a diverse congregation, representing every age group and a multitude of nationalities, we are united by our commitment to Christ and our desire to glorify God through our worship and service.
Our congregation 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.
Our church building has an elevator that makes it fully accessible. During the summer months the sanctuary is air conditioned.
History
Thornhill Baptist Church began its life when the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec purchased the property on Yonge Street that had previously been occupied by Holy Trinity Anglican Church. When the Anglicans relocated in 1950, they left behind their parish hall. It was in this simple brick building that a number of Baptists from the area gathered on January 6, 1952, under the leadership of Rev. Harold Trinier. Rev. Trinier arranged supply preachers for the fledgling congregation until the calling of the 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 is provided leadership in a number of areas, including counselling, the youth group, and a ministry with live-in caregivers.
In 2002, on the 50th anniversary of the church, an addition to the building was opened. This addition added space for the Sunday School and nursery, new offices, new washrooms, and an elevator.
Pastor Joseph Kim joined our pastoral staff in 2021 as Pastor of Congregational Development.
Pastor
Rev. Paul Gibbon
Paul has been pastor of Thornhill Baptist since 1990. He was born in Swansea, Wales and came to Canada at the age of 7. He has a Bachelor of Law degree (LL.B) from the University of Toronto and Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) from McMaster Divinity College.
Associate Pastor and Director of Life Transitions Counselling
Gloria Stafford
Gloria Stafford has been Director of Life Transitions Counselling since 1998. Gloria is a Registered Psychotherapist. She has a B.R.E. (Tyndale College/University & Seminary) and a Master of Divinity (Tyndale College/University & Seminary). In addition to her counselling ministry, Gloria also provides leadership to our youth ministry and music ministry.
Sunday School Co-ordinator
Gilda Tahani
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- 100 Huntley Street Comes to Thornhill Baptist Church. Their report, as well as the entire May 21, 2010 episode, can be viewed online at 100huntley.com
- Christian Week published an article called "Church forms group to support foreign caregivers" on January 8, 2010. Read the entire on the Christian Week website.
- The article "Thornhill Baptist Church, Caregivers Ministry" was included in the November 2009 edition of Milestones and Messages, a publication of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario & Quebec. Read a reprint of the article here.
- On January 4, 2016, The Huffington Post Canada published an article by Annie Zawadi about her experience a number of years ago of being a refugee to Canada who was sponsored by a group of churches in Thornhill that included Thornhill Baptist Church. Annie's article can be read at The Huffington Post Canada.