St. Paul's first minister was born at Kincardine O'Neil, Scotland, near Aberdeen in 1807, where his father was the parish minister, as had been his grandfather. After receiving his education at Aberdeen and Edinburgh, he was chosen for missionary work in Canada. Arriving in Peterborough in 1833, he was inducted into the charge of St. Paul’s on the 10th November. "Strong and vigorous of body, alert and resourceful mentally, possessed of a personality that stamped him a born leader of men, and inspired with the zeal of the true missionary he was destined to make an impression on the young community that would not be easily obliterated.”
In 1835 he married Miss Elizabeth Morrice, his first cousin, and the first manse was a stone residence set well back from the road on Park St. N. At the time of "Disruption", the separation from the Church of Scotland in 1844, Rev. Roger was a guiding light in the organization of the new Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and served as its Moderator for several terms. About this time he received a call to succeed his father in his native parish in Scotland, but continued on here as the Synod was reluctant to release him from the work in Canada, the urgency of which far exceeded that in the Old Land. St. Paul's church record of the year 1860 indicates that there were 192 families in the congregation, 391 communicants, an enrolment of 160 in the Church School, and the congregation possessed a church with a seating capacity of 1000, valued at $21,000. Such outstanding growth over a period of just 27 years is, in itself, a singular tribute to the industry and efforts of this pioneer minister, the Rev. J. M. Roger.
In 1864, Mrs. Roger, who had been as dedicated as her husband in establishing Presbyterianism in Peterborough, suddenly passed away. The following year, their son, Walter M. Roger, was ordained into the ministry of the Presbyterian Church.
In succeeding years the record indicates a gradual change in the authoritative and guiding hand of Mr. Roger, with a kindlier and more tolerant attitude toward transgressors. In 1872, there was mention made of the need of some assistance for him due to failing health, and in September 1875, he announced that he had presented his resignation to Presbytery the previous day. The resignation was accepted, and the aged pastor regretfully laid down the task that he had so enthusiastically begun almost 42 years previously. At the urgent request of the congregation, he accepted the title of Pastor Emeritus. It was not for long however, as on 8th January 1878, he was called to his last rest while at family prayers. Rev. Roger was buried in Little Lake Cemetery, and memorial tablets to both himself and Mrs. Rogers, placed there by the congregation, may be seen in the church vestibule at the center door.
The following item in the March issue of the Presbyterian record of 1878 provides a rather clear-cut picture of the life and ministry of St. Paul's initial pastor: "His sterling qualities as a man and minister of the gospel commanded the esteem and respect of all who knew him. His preaching was evangelical, earnest and powerful. His pastoral duties were discharged with diligence, fidelity and tenderness. His personal religion was deep and fervent, but at the same time of a genial and cheerful type. None could be in contact with him without feeling that he was indeed a man of God. His ministry was not without rich spiritual results and no doubt, much seed was sown by him which will yet yield abundant fruit."