Zion Church

Stepping inside Zion Church, try to imagine Toronto in 1967. A small group gathered in Bishop W.A. Hall’s basement, yearning for a taste of home. They dreamt of an Apostolic Church, much like those in Jamaica. This yearning gave birth to Mount Zion Apostolic Church (MZAC), right here in Toronto. Bishop Hall, along with Minister Skyers, drafted a constitution and sent it off to Ottawa. With a loan secured, they purchased their first building at 1301 Bloor Street West. The congregation grew quickly under Elder Ricketts, their first appointed pastor. Soon, they needed more space. In 1968, Zion Church moved to 48 Fisher Street. It became a beacon for Jamaican immigrants, fresh off the boat or arriving from England. Many other churches branched out from this location, maintaining a close fellowship with Zion Church. The church continued to flourish. By 1978, Zion Church found itself bursting at the seams again. This led to the purchase of 106-108 Holland Park Avenue. After selling this location, the church finally settled at its current home, 30 Pemican Court. But the story of Zion Church doesn’t end in Toronto. It extends to Windsor, Ontario, under Elder A. Brown. It reaches Roseau, in the Commonwealth of Dominica, led by Pastor John Baptiste. Even Barrie, Ontario, has a branch established in 2009. The growth of Zion Church is a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its members. From a humble basement prayer meeting, it blossomed into a vibrant community spanning across borders.