A Legacy of Faith
Our Church History
136 years of Gospel ministry on Margueretta Street — and the story is still being written.
Moments Through the Years
A glimpse of God's faithfulness in our story
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.”
— Lamentations 3:22
Our Founding
A small church with a big vision (1890)
Olivet Baptist Church was founded in 1890 in west-end Toronto, born from a handful of families who wanted a neighbourhood church where the Gospel was preached plainly and the door was open wide. The first services were held in a rented hall — believers gathered around scripture, prayer, and a piano that nobody quite remembers the origin of.
Within a generation the congregation had outgrown that first space. In 1925 the sanctuary at 36 Margueretta Street was dedicated — the same building where we still gather today.
Archival photo
Through the Decades
Moments that shaped us
Olivet founded in Toronto
A small group of believers gathered in west-end Toronto with a vision for a Gospel-centered, neighbourhood-rooted church.
Sanctuary dedicated
Our Margueretta Street sanctuary opened its doors — a home for worship, weddings, funerals, and a century of Sunday mornings.
Portuguese ministry begins
As Toronto's Portuguese-speaking community grew, Olivet became one of the first Baptist churches in the city to minister in both English and Portuguese.
Renewed mission focus
A season of prayer and discernment led to a renewed commitment to local mission, intercultural worship, and discipleship in community.
136 years strong
By God's grace we celebrate 136 years of ministry — and look forward to whatever the Lord has next.
Portuguese congregation — 1970s
Intercultural from Early On
Becoming a bilingual home
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the neighbourhood around Margueretta Street was changing. Portuguese-speaking families from the Azores, mainland Portugal, and Brazil were settling in west-end Toronto in growing numbers. Olivet's leadership saw an opportunity — not to plant a separate church, but to widen the table.
The first Portuguese-language service was held in 1972. More than fifty years later, we still gather in both English and Portuguese, reflecting our conviction that the Gospel speaks every language.
Those Who Led
A line of faithful pastors
Olivet has been shepherded by a long succession of pastors and lay leaders. The names below are placeholders — the church office can fill in the names, dates, and details.
Founding Pastor [Name]
Led the church through its founding years.
Pastor [Name]
Oversaw the dedication of the Margueretta sanctuary.
Current Pastoral Team
See the Leadership section of our About page.
The Story Continues
Come be part of the next chapter
Whether you're new to Toronto, new to faith, or just looking for a Sunday home — there's a seat at the table for you.