The uniting of families through marriage achieved great interest with the marriages in Oakville of three Wayner brothers to three Johnson sisters. Lorenzo Wayner and Martha Johnson were to play significant roles in the continuation of the Turner Chapel through the Great Depression. Lorenzo Wayner worked as the local garbage collector on horse and cart and then with a team of horses, for more than 28 years. In his spare time Lorenzo became the third pastor at the Turner Chapel, following “The singing Pastor”, Reverend C.P. Jones.
Wayner was one of five who kept the Church debt free through difficult times by personally guaranteeing a mortgage which allowed necessary repairs to be completed on the building. As the others passed on over the years, Wayner became solely responsible. Wayner also volunteered to do odd jobs around the Church, such as sweeping and mowing the lawn.
His wife Martha was of great assistance and inspiration to him throughout their lives together. Lorenzo Wayner became a generous supporter of the hospital, where Martha had spent her final days. In 1953, Wayner won the Oakville Lions Club Annual Award of Merit as man of the year.
© Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, The Corporation of the Town of Oakville, 2000
The following information is reproduced from the display panels in the exhibit “Oakville’s Black History”, as written and designed by Deborah Hudson, Curator of Collections, Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate.
