A History of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Sarnia, Ontario

The history of Pentecostalism in Sarnia, Ontario has been all but forgotten. For many years, the narrative began in 1936, with Edna Riblet, a Free Methodist lady, who opened a Sunday School on the outskirts of the city. The account in this book celebrates this known story, but also rediscovers a previous story-one that stretches decades earlier to include a local Sarnia schoolteacher in 1907, along with Ellen and James Hebden, "the first family of Pentecost in Canada," who visited Sarnia in August of 1908. A History of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Sarnia, Ontario is not simply a history, but rather a collage of inspiring portraits of Pentecostal people who gave their lives to the mission of God in this Canadian city and around the world. They preached the Full Gospel with conviction, and out of their own dramatic experiences of Jesus as their Saviour, Spirit Baptizer, Healer, and Soon Coming King. Bethel Pentecostal Church continues to engage in Pentecostal preaching and missions in Sarnia and around the world today. Caleb Howard Courtney gives the story a historical context and modern update in this, the most detailed account of Bethel's history to date.Caleb Howard Courtney (B.Mus., B.Ed., M.T.S.) lives in Sarnia, Ontario, and attends Bethel Pentecostal Church."Pushing Sarnia's Pentecostal narrative back to 1907 and the Hebdens is a real accomplishment." - Dr. Ronald Kydd, Associate Professor of Church History, Tyndale University College & Seminary, Toronto, Ontario"Caleb Howard Courtney has provided a rich account of the beginnings of Pentecostalism in Sarnia, Ontario, and its ongoing growth through the ministry of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Sarnia." - Rev. Tim Gibb, Lead Pastor, Bethel Pentecostal Church, Sarnia, Ontario"'Detective Caleb' has done it again. In writing the story of Bethel Pentecostal Church, and setting it within its earlier historical and religious context, one of my most gifted graduate students has made a contribution to the Canadian Pentecostal story." - Dr. Van Johnson, Dean, Master's Pentecostal Seminary, Toronto, Ontario