Denomination: Evangelical Christian
The American Dream:
The Evangelical Christian Church started in the late 1960’s, when groups of Italians immigrated to the United States in search of a better life. Many of the original members had an experience with the Lord that they didn’t want to neglect in their new life in America.
One group of Italians began gathering in Oakville in 1969 under the name Full Gospel Assembly – holding the first services in a member’s home for four years. Then, in 1970, the fifteen members purchased a small building in Oakville. In 1975, member growth led to the purchase of our existing space on Watertown Avenue. The first service was held in 1977 in a building built by the members themselves and remained the place of worship until May of 2006. In 1984, Joseph Pennella was elected Pastor and continues to Pastor the Evangelical Christian Church today.
The Evolution:
For a while, all of the services were in Italian and the outreach was geared towards Italian speaking people. But an exciting thing began to happen, as the church grew, so did the variety of nationalities! As a result, it became clear that the service format needed to change. In the mid-80’s, the church changed to English speaking services, with Italian services held during the Sunday School hour.
The Vision for the Future:
Soon, it became clear that a new church building was desired. The Pastor along with the Board of the Church and the Church Members began earnestly praying for God’s Guidance for the Church. In unity, the Church decided that a new building was necessary. The congregation also knew that all things are possible if our trust is in the Lord.
More to Come:
We know this is true: Christ is Alive. The Word of God is alive in our daily walk. Our faith is alive in our actions as we reach those who are seeking or those who are lost. This is what we want to see: a church that reaches those in spiritual need.
The Evangelical Christian Church started in the late 1960’s, when groups of Italians immigrated to the United States in search of a better life. Many of the original members had an experience with the Lord that they didn’t want to neglect in their new life in America.
One group of Italians began gathering in Oakville in 1969 under the name Full Gospel Assembly – holding the first services in a member’s home for four years. Then, in 1970, the fifteen members purchased a small building in Oakville. In 1975, member growth led to the purchase of our existing space on Watertown Avenue. The first service was held in 1977 in a building built by the members themselves and remained the place of worship until May of 2006. In 1984, Joseph Pennella was elected Pastor and continues to Pastor the Evangelical Christian Church today.
The Evolution:
For a while, all of the services were in Italian and the outreach was geared towards Italian speaking people. But an exciting thing began to happen, as the church grew, so did the variety of nationalities! As a result, it became clear that the service format needed to change. In the mid-80’s, the church changed to English speaking services, with Italian services held during the Sunday School hour.
The Vision for the Future:
Soon, it became clear that a new church building was desired. The Pastor along with the Board of the Church and the Church Members began earnestly praying for God’s Guidance for the Church. In unity, the Church decided that a new building was necessary. The congregation also knew that all things are possible if our trust is in the Lord.
More to Come:
We know this is true: Christ is Alive. The Word of God is alive in our daily walk. Our faith is alive in our actions as we reach those who are seeking or those who are lost. This is what we want to see: a church that reaches those in spiritual need.
