Prince Albert’s Crossroads Pentecostal assembly celebrates 100 years

Two years later, a building was purchased at 55-10^th St East and named Pentecostal Tabernacle. The first pastor of the church, Rev. James Swanson, who later went on to become the superintendent of the PAOC. During its early years, the church relied on a wood stove to keep its members warm in the chilly Prince Albert winters.

The early salary for the pastor was a modest $6 per week. Sunday services saw attendance ranging from 10 to 20 people, but the church’s small size didn’t hinder its commitment to community service. They provided clothes, food, and visits to those in need, earning a reputation for their charitable work.

(Submitted/Diana Wooden)

In 1941, the church services expanded to ministry at the TB Sanitarium, leading many to put their faith in Jesus.

The building underwent excavations underneath to create space for a prayer room. However, in 1946, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed the church only one month after the improvements were completed. Congregants found temporary shelter in a local arcade hall.

In 1947 the new church, Evangelistic Centre (100-10^th St East) was built with much volunteer labor. The first services were held there in January 1948 and the congregation grew rapidly over the following year.

The church’s commitment to service continued, even as they faced adversity. Baptism services were held in the Little Red River, marking important spiritual milestones for their members. In 1960, Rev. Albert Lindoff, the pastor at the time, gave the invocation at the official opening of the Diefenbaker Bridge, a significant honor.

(Submitted/ Diana Wooden)

After several years of increasing attendance and successful bus ministry, in 1980, the church purchased 3.1 acres at its current location. The new facilities were dedicated on December 7, 1980, and the church was renamed Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly.

Crossroads expanded its outreach by establishing a ministry in the local men’s penitentiary, further cementing its commitment to the community. By 1989, Sunday school attendance peaked at around 200, reflecting the church’s growth.

Over the years, various pastors served the church, but in 1992, Rev. Chesley Jacobs and his family arrived to lead the congregation, serving for an impressive 29 years until his retirement in 2021. The church marked a significant milestone with a mortgage burning ceremony in November of 1998. Noting even their church attendance has gone up and down over the years, Wooden believes their ability to thrive comes from their strong sense of community and family.

“I think we’ve been able to maintain a good flow because we are very community oriented and driven so people know our name in town,” she said.

And Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly continues its tradition of giving back, contributing to local charities and organizations like Men and Women’s Teen Challenge. The church also supports worldwide missions in places like Estonia, Cuba, and emergency response programs such as ERDO, emphasizing the church’s dedication to making a global impact.

Sunday’s celebration will include a special potluck and will feature African, Jamaican, Asian, and European dishes. Wooden believes Prince Albert has the opportunity to become a beacon and attract people in need of support.

“And I think with all the stuff going on in town and in places, people could use a sense of hope”

Wooden added this church’s remarkable journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of service and faith in Prince Albert, is a testament to the power of community, faith, and God’s amazing grace.

“There are churches that are closing their doors or numbers are dropping and we can say ha we have been here for 100 years and we are just going to get bigger and better,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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by Nigel Maxwell

Prince Albert’s Crossroads Pentecostal assembly celebrates 100 years

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