Aylmer Evangelical Missionary Church had its beginnings at the turn of the century.  A number of "City Mission Workers" (women) from the established church in St. Thomas, Ontario came and began the work of setting up a "mission" in Aylmer.  On April 13, 1900, the Missionary Church was introduced to the Town of Aylmer as the Gospel Mission.  From the Gospel Banner a publication of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ we have this historic excerpt written by Presiding Elder Rev. Peter Cober, May 3^rd, 1900 “Quartlerly Meeting Report…From Markham I came to Aylmer where the new City Mission has been opened since Conference in charge of Sisters Shantz and Ball.  Judging from the one night meeting which it was my privilege to attend I would conclude there was an opening there for a grand work.  This is a town of over two thousand inhabitants and outside of the one just commenced there is not mission in the whole place.  This mission can be said to be a direct outgrowth of the St. Thomas Mission.  May the Lord prosper both and the faithful girls who are their leaders”. 

For a short while a group of Christian people under the leadership of the City Mission Workers began to hold services in an upstairs auditorium over what is now Spicer’s Bakery.  Later in 1900 property located at 75 Talbot St W. (formerly known to many as Sophie’s Fashion Shop) was purchased by the new congregation… From the minute book we find “On July 18^th, 1900 we bought site and building on Talbot St. for Mission Hall. “  “Agreement is as follows:  We pay $25. On day agreement is signed and after that $5. Every month or as much more as we like with the privilege of paying all any time we like, at 5% int.  Whole amount paid $450.  32 ft frontage, building 36 ft. by 22.” 

This former paint and wagon shop required much volunteer labour to transform it into a Sanctuary for worship but despite it’s store front appearance, no doubt that it was fitting for worshipping God as you entered and saw paint in gold Old English letters behind the pulpit..  

“Holiness Unto the Lord”

For over 50 years the Gospel Mission was located in this building with the upper storey used as a residence for those giving pastoral leadership and on Sundays three of these rooms were used for Sunday School. 

In the mid 1950 a relocation project was undertaken and a parsonage was constructed on South St. W.  The following year the church building on Elm & Oak St was erected.  This building served the congregation well until due to crowded conditions the present building constructed in 1990 was dedicated to the Glory of God. 

Although out facilities have changed as the needs have changed and the denomination name has changed through merger agreements, our doctrine has remained the same.  The same gospel that was preached in 1900 is being proclaimed today. 

Like many other beginnings in Ontario, Aylmer can trace it roots to a revival that began in a few and the Holy Spirit moved and many came into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Aylmer Evangelical Missionary Church has a proud heritage in this community… a heritage that belongs to each one who calls this their church home.

 May God Bless