The History of Ottawa East

The Churches 1943 report presented by our faithful Treasurer, Mr. William Cavey, just before Mrs. Wellington and I left for other fields, was most heartening as it indicated a total increase in church receipts of $1,600.00 over the previous year. In those days that was a large increase. The people of Calvary Baptist Church were definitely to be congratulated on their wonderful response to both local and world-wide needs, revealing increasing love and loyalty to the Saviour - the Head of the Church .

REFLECTION
We loved Ottawa and we loved the people of Calvary Baptist Church. God had called us to this church and now He was calling us to wider fields, and we were so pleased when we learned that the Church, following our recommendation, had called our good friend, Rev. John Dempster, to be the next Pastor. We knew the church would be in good hands, and under His Hand. "

We are grateful to Rev. Dr. Wellington for the above resume of his years at Calvary Baptist Church. After leaving Calvary Baptist Church his ministry was more towards the youth and his evangelical crusades in Canada and the United States, geared to winning the youth, are well known.

Rev. John Dempster came to Calvary in 1943 with his charming wife Anne and two young children - Eva and Jimmy. (Jim is now a husky policeman in Montreal).

The Dempsters, were very popular and well loved. Our church prospered under their ministry, which was very effective in winning many souls to the Lord, and added to our membership. Those who were teenagers during Pastor Dempster's ministry will recall his keen interest in them. He jealously guarded over them and encouraged them in their Christian walk. Weekly young peoples meetings were held and the importance of Christian Fellowship was stressed and many activities were held in the parsonage and also in other homes, particularly the home of the Smith family - May, Emma and Lou .

Pastor Dempster introduced Muskoka Baptist Conference to the congregation and one summer a group of some 20 went from Calvary to spend their holidays at the Conference.

It was during this Pastor's ministry that Miss Patricia Styran answered the call of God for full time service and enrolled in London Bible Institute, London, Ontario.