Veronica Lyttle
In October 1990, the seed, a Branch Sabbath School was planted. It operated from North Albion Collegiate Institute (NACI) in the Rexdale community. The Church grew from a humble beginning as a group effort between members from Perth Avenue (now Toronto Perth) and Kingsview Village churches. Dr. Steve D. Cassimy and Pastor Arthur Zaft were the respective church pastors at that time. The Action Team (as the group was called) was vibrant and enthusiastic as they embarked on a journey to establish a new congregation in the Rexdale area of Etobicoke.
The group began to grow and was later named Mount Olive Seventh-day Adventist Church. The new church was under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Zaft, senior pastor and Pastor Joseph Bulgin, associate pastor of Kingsview Village church. With sixty (60) charter members to its complement, this mission and purpose driven group was willing and ready to do the Lord’s work. Later the congregation moved to its present location as a tenant and by God's grace, the Church is now the proud owner of 1030 Albion Road.
Motivated and diligent members continue the evangelism thrust. Services and programs were implemented to meet its members’ needs and well-being, with out-reach evangelism as its primary focus. Street Ministry, Personal Ministry, Ingathering, and Community Services were some of the out-reach ministries that were organized to minister to non-believers. Church building investment initiatives and other departmental fund-raising activities were among some of the major events that were used in the growth and development of our church. The physical and social need of our members and visitors were met at our Saturday night socials, banquets, boat cruises, walk-a-thons and summer picnics. During the first decade the following pastors served the church: Pastors Arthur Zaft (deceased), Joseph Bulgin (deceased), Theodore McLeary (deceased), Manley Coleman (deceased), Samuel McKenzie, and Ledford Morris.
The second decade saw continued growth in membership and implementation of new services and programs such as: monthly preparation and distribution of hot meals to one of the women shelters, supplying food to one of the youth shelters, volunteering at one of the seniors homes in the Etobicoke area, feeding the homeless in downtown Toronto, organizing the food bank and soup kitchen, running the Options For Youth Program, women’s retreats, preparing and delivering sack lunches to one of the shelters in Toronto monthly, and providing gift baskets to seniors in their birth months. Additionally, school supplies and Christmas presents and treats were given to children and youth in the church and communities with the aid of The Jules Foundation and the church.
The congregation also opened its door to other denominations who rented our facilities for worship and social gatherings. Pastor Morris continued in the second decade and the church was purchased under his leadership. He holds the distinction of being the longest serving minister of the church; he served for eleven years (11) years. Other pastors who served subsequently are: Dr. Kenneth Campbell (retired), Joseph Amankwah, David Rogers, Stanley McFarlane, Frankie Lazarus and Charles Mahadesosingh.
The homework program was implemented during the third decade. The Corona virus, (COVID-19) dawned the decade which interrupts the church progress. In March it was declared a global pandemic which forced the world in a virtual lockdown resulting in strenuous measures that restrict mass gatherings. When the lockdown was declared Mount Olive had no digital platform from which it could minister. Zoom became the vehicle through which they could begin to minister to the church membership and the community. The changing ministry environment now means that the Mount Olive outreach is global as people from all over the world can now join their fellowship because of its growing online presence. The pastoral team led by Pastors Lazarus and Mahadeosingh along with the Mount Olive membership have worked tirelessly to accomplish and continue to grow their capacity for this new way of ministry in these uncertain times. In January 2024, the congregation witnessed the installation of Pastor Andrew Thomas as the lead pastor. During this decade they were Pastors Frankie Lazarus, Charles Mahadeosingh (resigned), and Andrew Thomas. Pastor Thomas is currently serving.
As the church reflects on the past thirty (30) years of service to its members and the surrounding communities, we can definitely say that God has brought us this far and we are grateful for His divine care, love and mercy. What began as a Branch Sabbath School with sixty (60) members has blossomed into a congregation of four hundred and three (403). As the Lord continues to build His house, we have divine assurance that even greater works will be accomplished as we move forward.
With grateful hearts we can say, “To God be the glory great things He hath done".
Information Provided By: Elders Joseph Mitchel, Merdilin Lewis, George King (deceased) and Doris Chin (deceased)