The story of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church of Montreal is a testimony to the enduring power of faith, the strength of community, and the unwavering faithfulness of God. It is a journey that began not in a grand cathedral, but in the humble hearts of a few believers seeking to worship the Lord in a new land.
In the late 1980s, as the Ghanaian community in Montreal began to expand, a distinct need arose. Many immigrants, while adjusting to life in Quebec and the challenges of a new climate and culture, felt a deep spiritual void. They longed for a place where they could worship God in their mother tongue, sing the traditional hymns that connected them to their heritage, and support one another through the trials of settlement.
Responding to this divine prompting, a small group of faithful Christians began gathering for prayer and fellowship. These early meetings, held in the living rooms of founding members, were intimate and spirit-filled. They were reminiscent of the early church in Acts, where believers met from house to house, breaking bread and praising God. As news of this fellowship spread, the living rooms became too small to contain the growing number of families who sought to join. It became evident that God was planting a seed that was destined to grow into a mighty tree.
Recognizing the need for structure, discipline, and a broader spiritual covering, the leadership took the significant step of seeking affiliation with the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC). This union was a pivotal moment in our history. It allowed the congregation to preserve its unique Ghanaian cultural identity—characterized by vibrant praise and communal warmth—while being rooted in the rich theological heritage and governance of the Presbyterian tradition. We became a bridge between two worlds, offering a spiritual home that was both distinctly Ghanaian and proudly Canadian.
For many years, the church was a “tabernacle on the move.” We worshipped in rented halls and borrowed spaces across Montreal. These years were filled with both challenges and blessings. Setting up and taking down equipment every Sunday required immense dedication from our members, yet these trials only served to strengthen the bond of our fellowship. We learned that the church is not the building, but the people. However, the dream of having a permanent sanctuary—a place to call our own—never faded from our hearts.
Through years of sacrificial giving, fervent prayer, and the prudent stewardship of our leaders, God opened a door that no man could shut. The congregation successfully acquired our current property at 3000 Boul Sainte-Rose in Laval. Moving into this beautiful edifice was a crowning moment of joy and a “Promised Land” experience for our members. It stood as a tangible proof of God’s provision.
Today, the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church of Montreal stands as a beacon of hope in Laval and the Greater Montreal area. We have grown from a handful of believers into a vibrant, multi-generational congregation. We look back with profound gratitude to the founding fathers and mothers who laid the foundation with their sweat and tears. As we look to the future, we remain committed to the same mission that started it all: to glorify God, to love our neighbors, and to pass on the torch of faith to the next generation.
Ebenezer—thus far the Lord has helped us.