Church Leaders

    West Side Baptist Church is a Reformed Baptist Church. We believe the Biblical form of church government is a plurality of elders, equal in authority but sharing the attendant duties as they are gifted and needed. Assisting the elders, and under their direction, is a team of deacons, to whom is delegated the physical aspects of ministry, such as distributing gifts, bookkeeping, and maintenance. God has graciously raised up three leaders from among us.

    Nathan R. Clason has served as an elder since November of 2009. Providentially brought to the area through his career in the military, he lives near Fort Drum in Philadelphia, NY. He and his wife, April, have been called and gifted for hospitality and relationship building in the body. They and their four small children are an integral part of the congregation.

    Donald P. Owens II has been an elder since May of 2005. When not at home, he divides his time between his part-time vocation of carpentry work and his true passion: laboring in the Word and doctrine. He lives in a house owned by the church, which is adjacent to their meeting place in Gouverneur. There he rejoices with Sarah, the wife of his youth, and their seven young children.

    Jerry B. Caron has been a member of West Side since early 2007, and has served as deacon since May of 2009. He and his wife, Mary, have servants' hearts, and have been granted skill in many practical areas suited to their task. They reside in Harrisville near to their grown son and daughter, whose families also meet with us.