1871-1921 | 1921-1971 | 1971 to present | list of pastors

1971 - now

Following Pastor Motchman, Rev. Loren Gorman took the church through an interim time until Rev. Perley Tidd was called as the pastor. In 1976 Rev. Ken Duncan came and the church began a new era in its life. An addition was built on the church which gave new washrooms, more classrooms and a large classroom/parlour on the top floor. Various church programmes took advantage of this expanded facility. The church continued to prosper both spiritually and numerically.

In 1982 Kirk Wellum came as pastor and he served until 1984. Bob Lewis arrived in 1985 and began a wonderful ministry of healing and teaching which led to considerable growth in the church during the 1990's. A part time youth leader was engaged - and the youth group became known as RIOT [Radical Individuals of Truth]. It became clear to the congregation that the old building was inadequate for the ministry God was calling the church to but no clear decision was made. However, a fund was begun to expand or develop a new facility.

Following Rev. Lewis' departure to Listowel, the church was able to purchase the former Forest Central Public School building with all its land just a block away from the old church. In the fall of 1999 the congregation raised the money and purchased the building taking possession of it in February of 2000.

As well Rev. Laurie Morris was called to the church in January of 2000 and began his ministry in March. The congregation worked hard at renovations to the Forest School and AWANA moved there in March, Prayer Meeting in May, Sunday Evening services in July. A decommissioning service was held on Labour Day in the old church with a march to the new church for lunch with many old friends of the church present. All church ministries began in the new church after that date with a commissioning service on Sunday September 10, 2000.

The congregation continues to grow and with the departure of the youth leader in January of 2001 the congregation voted to call a half-time associate pastor to specialize in youth and Mr. Kevin Furtney began his ministry on June 16th, 2001. Kevin is now a full time associate pastor with the congregation.

Presently the church is preparing to construct a permanent sanctuary as well as add a kitchen and modify some other rooms.

We have adopted the theme: "A Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church in the heart of Forest, with all of Lambton Shores on our heart."