John H Paton and the Larger Hope Church

First two images of Paton supplied by a descendant and reproduced with permission.

Next some references to Paton and his church from history sources:

From “History of Lapeer County, Michigan: with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers.” Published Chicago: H. R. Page, 1884.

From page 21      

In the year 1837 the Baptist Church in Almont was organized by the Rev. C. Churchill, with sixteen members. He was its pastor for seven years, leaving in 1844. In 1846-'47 they built a church, which we believe they still occupy. The usefulness of this church was at one time greatly crippled by dissensions with their pastor, the Rev. Mr. Patton (sic), who, after his expulsion from the ministry for heresy, founded a Christian Advent Church of which we believe he is still pastor.

From page 39

THE BAPTIST SOCIETY. In 1837 the Baptist Society was organized with sixteen members...Then followed A. D. Williams, 1861; B. F. Bowin, 1866; B. H. Shepherd, 1869; and J. H. Paton, 1870, (tried and convicted of heresy and dismissed in 1872); A. H. Gower called 1876. Following Elder Gower came Needham, and in January, 1879, Rev. E. Steele, who has continued in the pastorate of the church to the present time. The membership of the church is about forty-six. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of from forty-five to fifty. ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH. In 1872 Rev. J. H. Paton, who had separated from the Baptist Church, formed an independent society of fifteen members, under the style of the Advent Christian Church, with the brief creed, "The word of God the only rule of faith and practice, and Christian character the only test of fellowship." This society erected a small frame chapel in the fall of the same year. Mr. Paton still continues the pastor of this church.

Page from the book ALMONT, THE TALE OF THEN AND NOW, by Hildamae Waltz Bowman, page 91 (1985 edition).

Note that Paton's own chapel closed down as such before the end of the 19th century, due to lack of support. By the early 20th century it had become a rug factory. The building still exists and today it is a private house.

 

Image from Google maps