10/26/2026
🎉 118 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS | MOUNT DENNIS BAPTIST CHURCH 🙌🏽
What a glorious celebration we had as we gathered to mark the 118th Anniversary of Mount Dennis Baptist Church! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to God for His faithfulness through generations. Today was more than an anniversary; it was a celebration of a legacy of faith, perseverance, worship, and service to God and our community.
📖 OUR STORY: FROM A HOME TO A LEGACY
Have you ever wondered how Mount Dennis Baptist Church began?
Our story began in 1908, not in a grand sanctuary, but in the home of Brother William Codd on Lambton Avenue, where a small group of believers gathered to worship God. They were ordinary people with an extraordinary faith, united by their love for Jesus Christ and their desire to share the Gospel.
With the early encouragement and leadership of Rev. John MacIntosh, this little gathering began laying the foundation for a Baptist witness in the Mount Dennis community.
On May 15, 1909, the church’s earliest recorded minutes documented a gathering at Brother Codd’s home. Among those present were members of the Codd, Sargent, Fordham, Barrett, and Ramsden families, alongside other faithful believers. They established a church covenant centred on their faith in Jesus Christ, elected temporary officers, and prepared candidates for baptism and membership.
Think about that for a moment: before the programmes, before the building, and before the generations that would follow, there were people committed to Christ, prayer, fellowship, baptism, and the work of the Gospel.
As the congregation grew, the believers acquired a tent in 1909, and worship services were held on a lot near Mr. Fordham’s home on Lambton Avenue. The church’s historical account affectionately describes this period as a “Tabernacle in the Wilderness.” Imagine gathering for worship in a tent, facing the weather and the difficulties of the day, yet continuing to believe that God had a purpose for this small congregation!
During those formative years, Rev. Dixon Smith shepherded the congregation. The church later moved to York Avenue, where it was reorganized and continued to grow despite significant challenges. Rev. Smith subsequently served as a missionary in India.
In 1911, P.B. Loney, a student at McMaster University, served as the congregation’s student pastor. On October 3, 1911, Mount Dennis Baptist Church was officially received into fellowship with the Regular Baptist Churches in the Toronto Association. This date became an important milestone in our church’s history.
By 1912, the church had 31 members. Under the ministry of C.W. Marsh, who was invited in February 1912, the congregation continued to expand. The dream of a more permanent church home grew, and the congregation worked towards securing the resources needed for the work.
After further seasons of sacrifice, prayer, planning, and perseverance, the church building that became our historic home was dedicated in 1924. Generations of pastors, deacons, ministry leaders, members, and volunteers continued the work, carrying the Gospel forward through changing times.
From a gathering in a home, to a tent on Lambton Avenue, to a growing congregation, and eventually to a permanent sanctuary, our history reminds us that God can do extraordinary things through people who remain faithful in small beginnings.
Where We Have Been: We have come from humble beginnings, sustained by the faith and sacrifice of those who came before us.
Where We Are Today: We continue to worship Jesus Christ, grow in faith, welcome people into fellowship, and serve our neighbours through community engagement and meaningful partnerships.
Where We Are Going: We look forward with expectation, trusting God to strengthen our church family, reach more people with the Gospel, deepen our community relationships, and make Mount Dennis Baptist Church an even greater blessing to the community. As Isaiah 43:19 declares, God is able to do a new thing. We believe there is still more ahead!
❤️ OUR HEARTFELT APPRECIATION
A celebration like this is made special by the people who come together in love and fellowship. We extend our sincere thanks to:
❤️ Special appreciation to our Lead Pastor, Rev. Dennis Johnson (Dennis Onyilo), and his dear wife (Christaina Dennis Johnson). We thank God for their commitment, leadership, prayers, and dedication to the vision of Mount Dennis Baptist Church.
🙏 Rev. Dr. Patricia Russell (Pat Russell), for bringing the Word of God and blessing us with a timely message.
⛪️ Redeemer’s Baptist Church, for joining us and enriching our music and worship experience.
❤️ Pastor Juan-Carlos Ortiz and his dear wife, Sarah, thank you for your presence, friendship, and support.
👮 Superintendent Haris and the members of 12 Division - Toronto Police Service, thank you for joining us and for your continued partnership in our community.
🏛️ MPP Mohamed Firin, thank you for honouring us with your presence and support.
⛪ New Beginning SDA, Church of God Deliverance Center, and Bishop Spencer, thank you for celebrating this milestone with us.
👏 Our church leaders, ministry teams, volunteers, and congregants, we are deeply grateful for your dedication, preparation, hard work, and faithful service. Thank you for ensuring that everything came together to the glory of God.
And to everyone who attended our 118th Anniversary Celebration Service, thank you for celebrating with us! We trust that you were blessed by the worship, the Word, the fellowship, and the presence of God.
To our visitors and special guests, please come back again! We loved having you with us, and you will always be warmly welcomed at Mount Dennis Baptist Church.
Above all, we give ALL THE GLORY TO GOD! The God who sustained our forebears through humble beginnings and difficult seasons is the same God who leads us today and will guide us into the future.
As we celebrate 118 years, we remember where we started, give thanks for where we are, and step forward in faith towards all God has in store for us.
Happy 118th Anniversary, Mount Dennis Baptist Church! 🎉🙌🏽
Journeying Together in Faith, Love & Service.
Baptist MinistriesCanadian Baptist MinistriesBaptist World AllianceTyndale Intercultural Ministries CentreScott Funeral Home - West TorontoWeston NcoMount Dennis BIAMount Dennis, TorontoFrances Nunziata Ward 5
