In 1962 a small group of believers gathered together for worship and to pioneer a new pentecostal ministry to evangelize and minister to Italian compatriots in Toronto. With regular services being conducted under the spiritual leadership of Felice Lisanti, a governing board was established and the first board was elected on February 3, 1962. By March 3rd of that year, the name Congregazione Pentecostale Italiana (Italian Pentecostal Congregation), was adopted for this new church.
The first Board Members were:
Felice Lisanti - Presiding Elder
Emanuele Paterino - President
Giuseppe Castricone - Secretary
Primo Cassano - Treasurer
Michele Sauro - Elder
Franco Giammarresi - Trustee
Franco Reale - Trustee
After conducting worship services in various rented facilities, a building at 65 Ford Street near Old Weston Road and St. Clair Avenue, know as "The Old Fire Hall", was purchased on December 28, 1962 for $25,000.
During the years of ministry at the Ford Street location, many open-air evangelistic services were held in front of the church and along the street corners of "Little Itlay's" St. Clair Avenue. In conjunction with these evangelistic efforts, services characterized by enthusiastic singing, testimonials and the bold preaching of God's Word allowed the congregation to continue growing as God's work began to flourish. This became apparent as the congregation outgrew its building on Ford Street.
After much prayer and planning, what seemed an unlikely or distant-in-the-future prospect became an unexpected reality. Property located at 3550 Weston Road, that was owned at the time by the United Church of Canada, became available. An offer to purchase was presented as well as the competing offers of two other interested parties, who also desired to purchase the same property. On March 1, 1979 Congregazione Pentecostale Italiana became owners of approximately 3 1/2 acres of property on which there was a tiny structure, lovingly referred to as "The Shack". It was in this modest facility that worship services were temporarily conducted until the current church facilities could be planned and constructed.
Many members of the congregation, too many to mention, worked tirelessly and dedicated much of their time, energy and finances during the construction of the new church building. As a result of a united effort and God's providence, the present structure at 3350 Weston Road was officially dedicated to the glory of God on Sunday September 6, 1981.
Annual Sunday School picnics, corn roast, banquets and retreats have come to form an integral part of church life at Weston Road Pentecostal Church. Events full of fellowship, fun and food create opportunities for members and friends to gather and grow. For many years, annual bus trips were organized to provide opportunities to fellowship with, and minister to, churches in Chicago, Rochester, Cleveland, Buffalo, New York and Philadelphia.
In recognition of the changing needs of second and third generation Italians and to reflect the changing demographics of the church's community, an amended Church Constitution was adopted on April 4, 1998, which included the adoption of the church's current name, WESTON ROAD PENTECOSTAL CHURCH.
During the over 40 years of ministry, God has been truly faithful as countless lives have been touched by the message of the Gospel and many souls have come to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Throughout its early history, Weston Road Pentecostal Church has been blessed and enriched by the pastoral contributions of various leaders including Emanuele Paterino, Michele Sauro, Primo Cassano and Antonio Ditommaso.
Today, Weston Road Pentecostal Church is truly a multi-cultural body of believers consisting of people from over 15 birth nations. Through its various ministries, people from all backgrounds are able to grow spiritually, discover new ministry opportunities and serve God together as we strive to fulfill our mission statement - "TO KNOW HIM & TO MAKE HIM KNOWN".
Pastors who have led and served Weston Road Pentecostal Church:
Felice Lisanti 1962
Michele Sauro 1962 to 1986
Primo Cassano 1986 to 1996
Joseph Sauro 1996 to 1998
Daniel DiSabatino 1999 to 2005
David Ripley 2006 to 2007
David DiStaulo 2007 to present
