wpc church buildings 

Mr. Anderson's Store

In 1926, Charles L. March and Lewis Eddy, Corner Brook businessmen, decided to erect a Pentecostal Church at Grand Falls Station. They shipped a car load of lumber by train for this purpose. At about the same time, several young men from Corner Brook, "With a few facts and full of fire," set out with missionary zeal on a trek to spread the Pentecostal message throughout Newfoundland. William Gillett, Arthur S. Winsor, and Thomas P. Mitchell left Deer Lake to come to Grand Falls Station by train. During the middle of July, Pastor Winsor conducted the first Pentecostal services in a vacant store on Bond Street, owned by a local merchant, William Anderson. 

first church building

The "Cripple-Back" Church, as it was called, built on King Street, was described by Pastor A.S. Bursey in his book, Life's Work Complete. Erected below street level, the building had a Canadian barn roof of cripple-back structure. A stove, sitting in the centre of the building, was heated by coal from the bin in the porch at the entrance. A partition ran through one end, making the living quarters for the resident pastor, and providing one bedroom, a living-room and a small room leading to the main building. There was a large loft over the kitchen. This was used at one time for a press-room. I believe Good Tidings, the official publication of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland, was printed from there for awhile. 

second church building

By the early 1940's, under the ministry of Pastor A.S. Bursey, the church had outgrown its facilities. Finances were scarce, bank loans were out of the question, but enthusiasm was high. The only building lot available was a swamp across King Street from the "Cripple-Back" Church. It was bought, and a building, large by the standards of those days, was built. This second Pentecostal Church in Windsor, seating at least 400 people, was practically debt free when completed. The "swamp" proved to be the right spot. Adjoining land was purchased for parking and for the erection of a parsonage, an elementary school and a two-room high school. This area of town also became the site for two future churches and the second parsonage. 

third church building

It soon became obvious that this second church building was not large enough. A balcony was added, but it, too, was filled on Sunday evenings. Pastor Bursey wrote how he "feared it might collapse from the weight of the people." A large piece of land adjacent to the Trans Canada Highway was available for a new building, but the congregation decided to remain in Windsor. The third church was constructed on King Street and its parking lot was built where the old building stood. 

fourth church building

The Windsor Assembly continued to grow, both in congregational size and in the variety of types of ministries that were emanating from it. The average Sunday School attendance was reaching toward 600, there were youth activities, a new Crusader Unit was established, and Women's Missionary Council was formed. Under the leadership of Pastor G.B. Harnum, it was decided that this third building could no longer accommodate the various ministries of the church. Mr. A.C. Hunt designed and directed the building of a new larger structure that would be attached and integrated into the old one. Construction began in 1968 and the cornerstone was laid the following year. The official opening and dedication of the church was held in February, 1971. This church building became the home of the Windsor Pentecostal Church for the next 24 years. 

current church building

under the ministry of Pastor George H. Dawe, 13 acres of land were obtained and a preliminary drawing of a structure to encompass the requirements of church and school was developed. Finally, under the leadership of Pastor Edward Canning, it seemed as if all impediments and restraints dissolved. Chapelstone Developers were engaged to manage the project, land was cleared and foundations were laid during the Fall of 1993. A succession of miracles led to the completion of a church-school complex in the Summer of 1995, (first service was held July 9) with the official opening on Thanksgiving Day weekend - October 8. Situated on 13 acres overlooking the "Windsor Section" of Grand Falls-Windsor, the new structure is an imposing sight. It covers an area of 48,000 square feet. Its 40 foot high illuminated cross that can be viewed throughout the town is already a landmark in the area. The sanctuary, with its sloped floor encircling the platform, can seat 800. The church has four pastor's offices, a large foyer and the most advanced sound equipment. The building is designed for functionality, with areas for use by WM, MF and youth.