How it all started…
Origin (1991 – 1995)
In 1991, Rev. Crawford was speaking at a church in Beaverton, Ontario, where he was approached by a few residents of Peterborough asking that he would pray for God to send a Pastor to their city. While Rev. Crawford was in prayer, the Lord challenged him to stand in the gap and go to Peterborough to Pastor. Six weeks later, he and Sis. Tanya Crawford arrived in Peterborough with their 3 children.
In April 1991, Rev. and Sister Crawford began leading a group of 25 people in a rented room at Sir Sandford Flemming College, with young people being filled with the holy Spirit every week.
Roughly 7 months later in December 1991, the vacant St. Joseph Otonabee School (1912-1987) became the official site of the Pentecostals of Peterborough, with attendance doubling in size to 50 people. The move of God had been set ablaze in Peterborough!
Expanding the vision…
Growth (1996-2022)
By 1996, a second round of renovations to the old school house gave rise to a new sanctuary on site, to accommodate the massive amount of growth. Sunday services would often put the building over capacity, with over 200 people attending every week. In 2009, a third round of renovations resulted in a completely new addition to the church, with a modern sanctuary and additional facilities. For over 3 decades, POP has seen much change and growth under the Crawford leadership. However, a love for souls has been the consistent theme and the driving force of every bit of sacrifice made in these pivotal years.
Where we are headed…
Bright Future (2023 – Present)
In January 2023, a seamless transfer in leadership brought a new season to POP. Rev. Dennis Brown and his wife, Tara Brown, became Senior Pastors of the church, and Rev. Crawford and his wife, Tanya, transitioned to the office of Bishop. This new phase in leadership will affirmatively echo the same traditions and values that have consistently been woven into the tapestry of our culture here at POP – Love people! Disciple people! Send people! We at POP are excited for all that God will accomplish in this season of Revival through Pastor Dennis and Tara Brown to make local, national and global impact with the gospel of Jesus Christ.