Hilltop Bible Chapel

Ever wonder how a simple desire to plant a church could blossom into a vibrant community? Here at Hilltop Bible Chapel, that very desire took root in 1957. A group of young families, dreaming of a spiritual home on Toronto’s western edge, began meeting at Hilltop School and in homes. Their dream materialized in September 1962. The present Hilltop Bible Chapel building officially opened its doors. These families not only provided the funds but also poured their own labor into its construction. A testament to their dedication, the lounge and offices were added just a few years later. Hilltop Bible Chapel quickly became a cornerstone of the community. The post-war baby boom saw the Sunday school swell to around 200 children. In the early 1970s, a portable building sprouted on the property, a dedicated space for the burgeoning youth group. Time has marched on. As of 2018, only one original couple remained, residing in a nearby seniors’ residence. Their legacy, however, lives on in the vibrant community of Hilltop Bible Chapel. Hilltop Bible Chapel has always had a heart for missions. In its early years, the church commended its first missionaries, the Pettigrews, to Bolivia. Soon after, the church began supporting short-term missionaries. Hilltop Bible Chapel even pioneered a Summer Ministry program. This unique program provided young people pursuing post-high school studies with a stipend to serve in camps and missions overseas. Over the past 60 years, Hilltop Bible Chapel has implemented various programs to connect with the surrounding neighborhood. The church’s unwavering goal has been to teach, reach, encourage, disciple, and foster Christian fellowship, service, and growth. Hilltop Bible Chapel has earned a reputation for its excellent systematic Bible teaching. The year 2016 marked a significant turning point for Hilltop Bible Chapel. After eight months of prayer and discussion, most of the members of Bethany Chapel merged with Hilltop Bible Chapel on January 1, 2016. This merger infused Hilltop Bible Chapel with new life and an immediate increase in members. The story of Bethany Chapel is intertwined with the history of Indian immigrants. In the late 1960s and 70s, many Indians, including Brethren assembly believers from Kerala, immigrated to Canada seeking a better life. Those settling in the Toronto area continued their involvement with local Brethren chapels. Driven by a desire to support ministries in their homeland of India, a group of 15-20 Brethren began meeting in a Scarborough home on the last Sunday of November 1980. These monthly meetings evolved into bi-monthly gatherings, complementing their attendance at other local Brethren chapels. This group enthusiastically welcomed visiting evangelists from India, experiencing spiritual blessings and encouragement. They met in various locations, including Faith Chapel in Scarborough, Bedford Park Chapel in North York, and Ontario Bible School (Tyndale College). In February 1990, they launched Sunday evening worship services, along with Sunday school and other activities. Lacking a morning service facility until 1997, they began holding Sunday morning services at Ontario Bible College, later moving to the Seventh Day Adventist church in Downsview in 1999. By this time, the fellowship, known as the Toronto Brethren Assembly (TBA), had grown to over 180 members. Services were conducted in both English and Malayalam. Facing space constraints, TBA sought a larger facility. Simultaneously, Bethany Chapel, with a dwindling congregation, prayed for guidance on using their facilities. Recognizing their shared faith and needs, TBA and Bethany Chapel merged in 2002, becoming the new Bethany Chapel. The proceeds from the sale of TBA’s property funded renovations for the Bethany Chapel building and its facilities. Continued growth led Bethany Chapel to seek yet another solution for space. Hilltop Chapel, seeking to merge with a like-minded congregation, found their answer in Bethany Chapel. The Lord answered the prayers of both chapels, and the newly merged Hilltop Bible Chapel was born. This new beginning infused Hilltop Bible Chapel with renewed vision, mission, and passion. In the following years, the church experienced significant growth. This growth came through personal evangelism and the arrival of new families and students from overseas. Hilltop Bible Chapel continues its commitment to systematic teaching, worship in spirit and truth, children’s and youth ministries, community outreach programs, tract distribution, short-term missions, and various other programs.