(1794-31 Jan. 1833), Presbyterian clergyman. Born in Breadalbane, Scotland. He studied at the University of Edinburgh. In July 1820 he sailed from Greenock, Scotland, for Canada, having been ordained on 27 Oct. 1819 by the Presbytery of Edinburgh as minister for the Presbyterians of Lochiel Township, GC. He arrived in Lochiel Township in Sept. and took up his duties. In Canada, he served as minister to the Presbyterians at Kirk Hill, L’Orignal and Hawkesbury. He was married on 9 June 1822 to Penelope Grant, said to be the daughter of a Lt. Col. Alpin Grant, a retired (half-pay) officer from the 42nd Black Watch. (children) Little has been discovered about Alpin Grant. Penelope Grant’s sister married Dr Alexander McNaughton. The first Presbyterian church building at Kirk Hill was constructed during the Rev. John McLaurin’s pastorate. He preached in both English and Gaelic. Finding that his flock was unable or unwilling to support him in an adequate manner, he became a schoolteacher at L’Orignal about 1823, but continued as much as possible to tend to the needs of his congregations as well. On 12 July 1832, his Lochiel (Kirk Hill) pastorate ended, and he continued as minister at L’Orignal and Hawkesbury. He died at L’Orignal.

Douglas H. Hamly, The Ministry of the Rev. John McLaurin (1980); biog * MacMillan, Kirk: index * Quarterly of Clan McLaren Society U.S.A.,Vol. III No. 12 (Dec. 1971) * Brault 160 (his school)