Gratitude for 100 Years of Grace

Evangel Temple is founded in Toronto by a small group of faithful young christian businessmen in 1917. In the fall of 1927, REV. W. C. PEIRCE organized the congregation as "The Toronto Evangelistic Association" as they continue to relocate to rented halls around the Queen Street facilities as worshippers grow. The crowds that summer of 1927 swelled to over 3,000. The first service was held on Sunday November 13, 1927. REV. W. C. PEIRCE remained at the helm for the next five years. Throughout that time he kept the focus on soul winning.

Sister Aimee’s influence can be clearly seen in one of the earliest Evangel Temple bulletins, dated January 22, 1928. Called “The Rays from the Gospel of Sunshine”, the banner at the top portrays a picture of the sun (Son). Four rays shine forth: Saviour of the soul, Healer of the body, Baptizer in the Holy Ghost and Soon Coming King

Ralstin did not stay long in Toronto.

A former college football player and lawyer turned pastor, Long brought a crusader's zeal to the Temple. He marched with the unemployed and made front-page news in the Toronto Star for his bold sermons against drug syndicates targeting children.

He resigned just around the outbreak of World War II.

The first Canadian to assume the pastorate of the Temple, Winburn came from Winnipeg and is remembered as a "fine statesman type with good platform presence, excellent oratory skills and well studied in scripture." He played the trombone, which made him popular with the band members.

His sudden departure in 1944 due to personal difficulties dealt a heavy blow to the congregation. He moved to California where he became a successful Real Estate agent and served as an Elder for many years at Hollywood Presbyterian Church.

During the Temple's lowest ebb, Johnstone stabilized the church alongside Allen Mallory. He found no repayment plan for the bank note — which had swelled to three times the original amount — and established an aggressive payment schedule.

Eastern Pentecostal Bible College was housed at the Temple during this period (1946–1951), bringing waves of future PAOC ministers through its doors. However, the church's diminished state meant many students chose to attend The Stone Church instead.

A railroad worker converted by two women evangelists on a street corner in Drumheller, Alberta in 1934, McPherson led the Temple through its longest stretch of peace and stability — 16 years.

On Easter Sunday, April 7, 1947, the mortgage was ceremonially burned. Participating in the service were Rev. A.H. Argue, Rev. W.C. Peirce, Rev. Tom Johnstone, Rev. A.G. Ward and Rev. W.G. McPherson.

However, suburban expansion and the rise of television began reshaping the downtown church landscape. Sunday nights continued to draw crowds as suburban worshippers drove downtown for evening services with the band and famous guest speakers. McPherson resigned in 1963 to pursue full-time evangelism.

A missionary from India who stayed only one year, Cawston left a lasting imprint — the audacious vision of "The Cathedral in the Sky." He proposed replacing the aging building with a skyscraper housing the church on the top floor, with retail below and underground parking.

The church secured air rights above the lot, but a feasibility study showed the idea was simply not practical — the cost of private elevators alone was prohibitive. Cawston's stay was cut short when he was forced to leave the country due to problems with his immigration status.

Known as "Hope and Laurie," this co-pastor team brought revivalist energy and a team approach that nurtured capable lay leaders. Their revivalistic style fit perfectly with the tenor of the Temple, and during their years together, they hosted a steady stream of Evangelistic Crusades and maintained a fervent prayer emphasis.

In the summer of 1968, Laurie Price recruited 40 young people from the Temple and EPBC to evangelize the Gaspé Peninsula. Over the years, more than 700 young people participated, planting churches in New Richmond, Matane, Amqui, and Edmundston. The Temple donated 90 acres along the Restigouche River for a Pentecostal campground for Quebeckers.

As the aging downtown building deteriorated — ceiling plaster collapsed during a packed service, and a murder occurred in the choir room — leadership shifted focus northward, acquiring property in North York along Carson Street.

Tragedy struck on May 21, 1974. Laurie Price was killed in a car accident on the Queen Elizabeth Way. His funeral was the largest in the history of the Temple — the congregation spontaneously sang hymns and praise choruses before the service even began. Hope Smith continued as sole Senior Pastor until 1981.

Williams inherited a congregation carrying $5 million in debt at 23.75% interest rates, with a year-to-date budget deficit of $87,757 and a 1980 deficit of $267,117.

Salvation came through lawyer David Smith, who brokered a deal with Real Estate developers Cadillac Fairview. They gave the Temple one acre at Yonge Street and Highway 401, took over all debentures, and provided unlimited free parking — in return for the titles to all other North York properties.

The downtown Bond Street building was destroyed by fire shortly before a city council vote — led by Mayor John Sewell — that could have designated it a historic site and blocked demolition. The Bond Street Hotel purchased the lot for $2 million, leaving the congregation completely solvent with cash toward the new church.

Shortly after relocating, Williams led the congregation out of fellowship with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Strong support for Teen Challenge Ministry.

Re-emphasized Evangel Temple Vision statement, developed international collobation with Bogota Church in Columbia on Small Group / Home group method of Evagelism and Caring community approach..

Strong promotion of annual Encounter trip to deer lake as a retreat for entire Church.

Invested in leadership development for Young Adults and Counselling for members and worshipers throughout his tenure

Led multiple deligates on Mission trips to Uganda, Haiti and made pastoral tour of Guayana mission field. Mission trips were popular under his leadership.

Pastor Paul Follett served as Interim Lead Pastor during his tenure.

Pastor Kelvin Quinones did not stay long in Toronto.

Led the Church through a major defining moment of our time - the COVID pandemic. He oversaw the major "Temple Refresh" project.