How about a story of faith and community. We are standing before Ossington Pentecostal Church. It is a beacon of hope in the Bloorcourt community.
Ossington Pentecostal Church began as a small gathering. It was a group of Italian Christians. They met at 193 Montrose Avenue in 1922. Rev. Ferdinando Zaffuto and Rev. Luigi Ippolito led them. They called themselves Assemblea Cristiana.
In 1956, the growing church needed more space. A new building was erected at 686 Ossington Avenue. The church became known as Assemblea Cristiana Pentecostale Italiana. Rev. Ferdinando Zaffuto continued as pastor. He served until his death in 1968. The church primarily served Toronto’s Italian community.
From 1968 to 1984, Rev. John Totafurno led the church. Rev. Gino Zucchi then took over from 1985 to 1991. Under Rev. Zucchi’s leadership, the church expanded. It became known as Woodbridge Pentecostal Church and then Bethel Pentecostal Church. The church formalized its affiliation. It joined the Italian Pentecostal Church of Canada. This is now the Canadian Assemblies of God. It became Ossington Pentecostal Church OPC.
In May 1992, Rev. Giulio Gabeli became pastor. He was followed by pastor Joseph Romita. Pastor Ed Grasso then led until January 2002. The church grew to include many ethnic groups. It embraced the surrounding communities.
Rev. David Quackenbush became pastor in February 2003. He and his wife Angela moved from Montreal. He had a strong commitment. It was to cross-cultural ministry and growth. He also focused on discipling.
In March 2020, a long-awaited building project began. It was to update and create space. It would facilitate growth and ministry. Despite the global pandemic, the project was completed in spring 2021.
Pastor David kept the congregation united. He focused on worship in the new building. Sadly, Pastor David passed away in January 2022. He had been battling cancer. He faced his diagnosis with faith.
Ossington Pentecostal Church continues to thrive. It is a diverse congregation. It is committed to being a light in the community. Associate pastor Kara Lee Palma provides ministry. The church seeks guidance for its next chapter.
Ossington Pentecostal Church is affiliated. It belongs to the Canadian Assemblies of God. This group has a rich history. It began with Italian-speaking Pentecostal churches. They were established in the early 1920s. They preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Studio Cabral photographed the people of Ossington Pentecostal Church. They wanted to update their website.
Ossington Pentecostal Church is more than just a building. It is a community. It is a place of worship and a testament to faith. It shows the power of unity. It is dedicated service. Remember the story of Ossington Pentecostal Church. It is a story of growth. It is a story of transformation. It is a story of unwavering faith.