The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, which became a chartered religious organization in 1919, has a rich history stretching back over a century to the earliest days of the Pentecostal Revival, which began in 1906. The Archives exists to preserve and make available the wealth of information that chronicles our family story.

The Archives was established in 1981 under the supervision of General Secretary Charles Yates. Dr. Ron Kydd was called upon to organize and lay out the guidelines. All our general officers have strongly advocated for preserving the past. Extensive contributors to the Archives have been G.F. Atter, Earl Kulbeck, James Montgomery and a host of other Pentecostal leaders. Margaret Rogers served as director until her retirement in 1986. Douglas Rudd served as director until 1998.

Under General Secretary-Treasurer David Ball, a committee was formed in 2000 to advise and facilitate the expansion and upgrading of the PAOC Archives. This was accomplished under the leadership of James Craig, who designed our state-of-the-art facility and reconfigured the collection in accordance with current archival principles. Rev. Craig served as the first full-time Archivist, assisted by Dorothy Raymer, from January 2000 until January 2004. From March 2004, Marilyn Stroud served the Archives on a part-time basis to assist with the daily requests from researchers around the world as well as searching out important historical documents for the International Office. James Craig continued to serve as Archives’ consultant. With Ms. Stroud's passing, Rev. Craig since 2003 has resumed the role of PAOC Archivist on a part-time basis.

What We Do

We arrange, describe and preserve materials in our well-equipped repository. As part of the work of the Archives, we endeavour to facilitate access and ensure the usability of the records for our clients. Our work aids in safeguarding the collective memory of the PAOC.

We are working hard to capture our history as it happens today. Any contributions you can make to the collection would be greatly appreciated. Donations including early PAOC magazines, books, pictures of churches, people and events, biographies and outstanding testimonies can be of great value to the Archives. If you can donate any of the above or other materials, please contact our office to arrange for transfer to the Archives. Please note we already have a full set of the Pentecostal Testimony publication.

What We Preserve

We preserve everything of historical value, including conference minutes, important legal documents and correspondence, publications, church histories, biographies, personal papers, records of our missionary outreach and personnel, District Conferences, Bible Colleges, camp meetings, benevolent institutions, photos, books, manuscripts, theses, audio and visual tapes and films, artifacts, etc. They are then processed and placed in acid-free containers and placed in the repository so they can be made available for future research.

A Note on Genealogical Records

The PAOC Archives does not have any genealogical records for individual church members. We do not practise infant baptism; therefore, our churches do not have these birth-related records. Our churches do practise dedicating children to the Lord, but that does not mean they have preserved any records. The PAOC Archives does not possess any records suitable to prove date of birth.

What RECORDS are Available

When you arrive at the Archives, you will have access to a reading room along with the following records:

• Searchable digital copies of the Pentecostal Testimony (the PAOC's official publication).
• Physical copies of books and pamphlets written by PAOC clergy and members.
• Yearbooks from PAOC Bible colleges.
• Several artifacts (objects).
• Photos of conferences, camps and celebrations, credential holders, missionaries, churches, mission fields, Bible colleges and seminaries.

Our photo collection is not comprehensive, so we cannot guarantee we have photos of specific individuals or events. Please note nothing in our collection is of significant financial value.

Who uses the Archives

• The General Officers and staff of the International Office who are investigating PAOC history or current topics for discussion papers or needed statistics for reports.
• Academics, researchers, students and others wanting information on the PAOC, the growth of Pentecostalism, or information on historical individuals.
• Churches, pastors and lay people researching background information about the church and its former pastors. Most recently, many of our churches are celebrating significant anniversaries.
• Local churches and pastors who wish to preserve the history of the church by donating documents, photos, artifacts and materials relevant to their history for safekeeping.
• Individuals looking for information on family members who served as PAOC pastors or missionaries.

How to use the Archives

There are two ways to access material in the Archives:

1. In-person
   
   Pay us a visit. We provide a Reading Room where clients can use materials from the collection and receive assistance from our staff with their inquiries. Visits are by appointment only. Call 905-542-7400 and ask to speak to the Archives or, preferably, email us at archives@paoc.org. Please contact us at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Those anticipating research requiring more than a day must provide at least three weeks’ notice. If you are coming from outside of Ontario and expect to spend several days in the Archives, contact us at least four weeks before your arrival. Please note the Archives cannot help with local accommodations, meals or transportation.
   
   Note, the Archives is open to the public only three days per week, usually Tuesday to Thursday, with some flexibility.
   
2. Phone or Email
   
   Contact the Archives directly by telephone (905-542-7400) or email (archives@paoc.org). If you leave a voicemail, be sure to include your telephone number and e-mail address. We communicate exclusively via email to have a written record of all Archives transactions.
   
   Please note that requests requiring extensive research usually require a visit to the Archives.

How to get Involved

1. Volunteer
   
   If you live in the GTA or within a reasonable drive from Mississauga, we always appreciate an extra pair of hands to assist us with routine tasks. This frees up the staff for work requiring greater expertise. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance regarding scheduling a volunteer visit [archives@paoc.org].
   
2. Donate Historical Materials
   
   The Archives collection grows as individuals and PAOC churches share their historical treasures with us. The Archives is mandated to acquire and preserve all material relating to the activities of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Canada and abroad. Please contact us by email in advance of making a donation of materials. Please note we do not accept COD packages.
   
3. Give
   
   We have several important projects which require funding beyond our current budgetary resources. All gifts to the PAOC Archives are tax-deductible. To donate, please click here. Note: Be sure to specify “Archives Support” in the Donations Instructions field.

Thank you for your support!