Our History
"Holding Forth the Word of Life"
"Holding Forth the Word of Life"
In 1909 at a business meeting in Century Baptist consideration was given to starting a Baptist mission in Davisville. The 1910 Financial Statement of Century Baptist Church shows that a lot was obtained for the purpose of organizing Davisville Baptist Mission.
In 1911 a number of Christian workers began Gospel services in a tent pitched on the lawn of Mr. David Barton's house, 35 Balliol Street. A few months later they moved to winter quarters on Merton Street, In 1913 another move was made to Mr. Frank William's new home at 97 Balliol Street, the ground floor being reserved for the services of the mission. In 1916 a new building was erected at 42 Davisville Avenue and the name of the work change to Davisville Baptist Mission.
Professor P.S. Campbell of McMaster University assumed the leadership of this work until 1920. Under his ministry, foundations were laid in the Mount Pleasant area for a church that was destined to be a bulwark of The Faith. In 1920 Professor Campbell resigned and Mr. B. P. Wilson, student at McMaster University was invited to take charge of the work. He commenced his ministry on March 21st. On May 14th plans were made organize the work into a regular Baptist Church. On June 10th members and friends of the mission met for the purpose of organizing into a regular Baptist Church. 40 persons comprised the charter membership of the church. On July 8th denominational recognition of the church and ordination of Mr. A.P. Wilson took place.
On February 16th, 1922 recommendation was made to the church to procure a site for a new church on Mount Pleasant Road. On August 27th the sod was turned on the new site at the corner of Mount Pleasant Road and Belsize Drive by Deacon Ryder. On August 23rd the name of the church was changed Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church. On January 7th, 1923 the present church building was dedicated to the Glory of God. On March 14th, 1923 Rev. A. P. Wilson resigned and by October 1926 the Church became self-supporting.
Following the annual meeting of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec on October 19th 1920, the church expressed disapproval of the Convention's endorsement of the teaching of Professor L.H. Marshal of McMaster University, in the form of a resolution. On November 27th 1926, the church made application to, and was accepted for membership in the newly formed Union of Regular Baptist Churches of Ontario and Quebec.
In 1953 Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church voted to cooperate in the merger that united the Union of Regular Baptist Churches with the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada. By the early part of 1962 Faith Baptist Church terminated its witness in the Broadview-Danforth area due to expropriation of their property for construction of the Subway. In June many of the members Faith joined with Mount Pleasant Road Baptist congregation.
On July 4th 1965 the sod was turned and in September work commenced on erection of the Bible School addition. This extension was dedicated on February 27th 1966.
During the Ministry of Mount Pleasant Road Baptist church a number of men and women have served the Lord as Pastors, on the mission field and in other areas of Christian service around the world. Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church has been a staunch supporter of our Fellowship over the years. Two of our pastors served as president of the Fellowship; Pastor Charlton in 1955 and 1971, Dr. Holliday in l960. Dr. Armstrong was Editor of the Evangelical Baptist for a number of years. During the 60 years of "Holding Forth the Word of Life" in this building the Lord sent men of His choosing to be pastors of the Mount Pleasant Road Baptist Church:
- Rev. A. P, Wilson 1920-23
- Rev. C, W. King 1925-29
- Rev, A, Thomson 1929-1946
- Rev. W. N. Charlton 1947-61
- Dr. J. F. Holliday 1962-68
- Dr. J. R. Armstrong 1969-74
- Rev. E.E. Mawhorter 1975-1986
- Rev. D. Beilby 1986-1990
- Rev. G. Rendle 1990-91(Interim)
- Past. T. A. Murphy 1992- 2007
- Past. Lucien K.M. Atchale 2008- (Interim)
In the wisdom and providence of God, a group of believers led by a faithful pastor invested their resources and lives in locating this meeting place in North Toronto. That generation speaks to us of the mighty acts of God and challenges us to continue our witness to His glory here and in the other areas to which He has moved many who learned to love and serve Him in this church.
Let us accept this challenge in our individual lives that God may be glorified and His church strength.
Design by Mangonator
