Career
He escaped slavery in Virginia to become an important leader for the African Nova Scotian community and in the international struggle against slavery. He established the African Chapel, the African Abolition Society and African Baptist Association. Preston was mentored by Baptist minister John Burton.
Preston became one of the most important church and community leaders in Nova Scotia.
He assisted in setting up 11 Baptist churches across the province. Preston was trained as a minister in England and met many of the leading voices in the abolitionist movement that helped to get the Slavery Abolition Acting passed by the British Parliament in 1833.
When Preston returned to Nova Scotia, he became the president of the Abolitionist movement in Halifax. Preston founded churches across Nova Scotia.
He was designated a person of National Historic Significance by Parks Canada in 2005 for his religious leadership, community building and contributions to the struggle against slavery.
East Preston and North Preston in Nova Scotia are often believed to be named in his honour, although in fact it was these communities that inspired his name.