2003
Shortly after our expansion, the church was renamed to The Embassy of the Kingdom of God—a reflection of our mandate and philosophy of ministry. Today, we are generally known as The Embassy Church.
1954
Our history started on a school bus. Ed and Dorothy Wright began leading Sunday school on a bus in northern Oshawa. In 1955, six lots were purchased on Byng Avenue for a future church.
1956
Having outgrown the school bus, we moved into a ranch-style home church. In 1958, Calvin Morgan began leading ministry. We held services every night with the exception of Mondays.
1962
Byng Avenue Pentecostal Church was officially opened and dedicated on November 11, 1962. It seated 200 people (adults and children). The former house church was renovated as a parsonage. We joined the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC). Pastor David Strome initiated Byng’s expansion in 1976/77.
1989
Renamed Community Pentecostal Church, our new building seated 700 people and officially opened on April 30, 1989. This initiative was led by Rev. Doug Schneider, who had been the church’s Senior Pastor since 1983.
We celebrated our 50th Anniversary by faithfully expanding the building with an auditorium that seats 2,500-3,000 people. Over the years, we have been able to present amazing dramas and notable concerts through this addition. The original church building continues to be used as the Family Centre for next generation ministries and other events.
2021
After 39 years of ministry, our beloved Pastor Doug passed away to be with the Lord on December 27, 2021. He was known for making everyone feel like his best friend through the love of Christ. #Together we remember and continue to press forward in the upward calling of Christ that Pastor Doug did so faithfully.
2022
Pastor Léon van Weerden became our Lead Pastor on March 6, 2022. On June 26, 2022, the original church sanctuary was renamed the Douglas A. Schneider Family Centre Auditorium in honour of him.
Our Lead Pastors:
1954-1958 : Edward & Dorothy Wright
1958-1960 : Calvin Morgan
1960-1966 : George Carroll
1966-1969 : Frederick Spring
1969-1974 : Ian Presley
1974-1982 : David Strome
1983-2021 : Doug Schneider
2021-Present : Léon van Weerden