How about a story of faith and community? It is the story of Revival Time Tabernacle. Founded by Bishop Dr Audley N James, it began with a vision and a small gathering.
On April 26th, 1980, Bishop James, his wife Rosenda, 21 adults, and 13 children held their first service. This took place at Bathurst Heights Secondary School. From these humble beginnings, Revival Time Tabernacle started to grow. The church saw prolific growth both spiritually and numerically. God’s anointing was evident in every service held.
Cell groups formed in various areas including Metropolitan Lotherton Pathway and Malvern. These groups helped the church to grow rapidly. Revival Time Tabernacle soon operated numerous bus routes. This helped transport its growing congregation. News of the church spread quickly throughout the city.
Bishop James was invited to host the Night Lite program. He hosted it at 100 Huntley Street TV ministries for six years. The need for a permanent home became apparent. After much prayer and fasting, a plot of land was purchased. It was located at 4340 Dufferin Street. The congregation even performed a Jericho march around the desired property.
Six years after its start, Revival Time Tabernacle opened its doors. This happened on April 27th, 1986. The new sanctuary was 34500 sq ft. It included ministry facilities. This was a significant milestone. Revival Time Tabernacle became the first African Canadian church. It was the first to build a place of worship in Ontario in 129 years. It was only the second in Canada in the last century.
The first service was a dedication. Reverend Homer Cantelon officiated the event. It was a time of thanksgiving and celebration. On April 26th, 1986, the congregation marched to the new site. They marched from Bathurst Heights Secondary School. This involved a police escort and several road closures. Young and old participated in this memorable event.
After moving to their new home, the congregation continued to expand. Revival Time Tabernacle opened an Outreach Centre. It was located at 225 Gosford Boulevard. This Outreach Centre provided programs for young people. These programs took place on Sunday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday nights.
The ministry’s vision is to serve the whole person. It aims to address not just spiritual needs. In September 1993, a joint venture began with the Ministry of Housing, Ontario. Revival Time Tabernacle dedicated a forty-unit apartment building for seniors.
In March 1994, Revival Time Tabernacle expanded its ministry. A second church was planted. This was Revival Time Durham in Pickering, Ontario. It was meant to serve the eastern section of the Greater Toronto Area. The Durham church was initially at 400 Monarch Road. It is now permanently housed at 550 Kingston Road.
Revival Time Tabernacle now has ministries and partners worldwide. They are in various parts of Africa and the Caribbean. To reflect this international expansion, the ministry’s name changed slightly. It is now known as Revival Time Tabernacle Worldwide Ministries.
So, here we stand before a testament to faith. Revival Time Tabernacle is a beacon of hope. It is a place where community thrives and spirits are lifted. It is a story of growth, dedication, and a commitment to serving others both near and far.