A humble beginning. That’s how the story of Weston Road Pentecostal Church unfolds. Picture this: 1962. A small group of Italian believers gathered. Their hearts brimming with faith. They yearned to share the Gospel. They sought to build a Pentecostal ministry for their fellow Italians in Toronto. This was the seed that would grow into the Weston Road Pentecostal Church we see today.
From its humble origins. Weston Road Pentecostal Church has a rich history. It began with regular services led by Felice Lisanti. A governing board was formed. They officially became the Congregazione Pentecostale Italiana on March 3 1962. They met in various rented spaces. 10 Harvey Street. 65 Ford Street. Even a spot on St Clair Avenue near Old Weston Road. The Ford Street location. Affectionately known as “The Old Fire Hall” was purchased in 1962 for $25,000.
Think about it. They held open-air evangelistic services. Right there on the streets of Little Italy’s St Clair Avenue. The services were filled with enthusiastic singing testimonies. And the bold preaching of God’s word. The congregation grew. They outgrew their space on Ford Street.
Then an unexpected opportunity arose. A property at 3350 Weston Road. Owned by the United Church of Canada. It became available. Weston Road Pentecostal Church purchased it. A tiny structure. They called it “The Shack”. Services were held there while the current building was planned and built.
The new building. A testament to the hard work and dedication of the congregation. It was completed in 1981. A monumental achievement. Years of tireless work. Of donating time energy and finances. All for the glory of God. The dedication ceremony was held on September 6 1981.
Weston Road Pentecostal Church didn’t stop there. They supported Rev Onofrio Miccolis’ Italian television ministry. They organized mission trips to the Dominican Republic. They even helped build houses and a church for families in need there. Annual bus trips connected them with churches in Chicago Rochester Cleveland Buffalo New York and Philadelphia.
In 1998 the church’s name changed. It became Weston Road Pentecostal Church. Reflecting its evolving community and its increasingly multicultural congregation. The change was in recognition of the needs of second and third-generation Italian members. In 2006 it affiliated with the Canadian Assemblies of God.
Even more recently. In 2017 a major renovation was undertaken. The entire building was updated. The project. Called the Overflow Capital Campaign. lasted several months. Services were temporarily held across the street. At Emery Collegiate Institute. The renovated church reopened its doors on December 10 2017.
Today Weston Road Pentecostal Church stands as a vibrant community. A testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of a group of Italian believers who had a dream. A dream that continues to grow and flourish. It’s a place where people from over 15 countries find a welcoming home. A place where all are welcomed. Their motto is inclusion and belonging. A place of faith hope and love. Weston Road Pentecostal Church. A place of unwavering dedication to God and its community.