Our Story

Ossington Pentecostal Church began in Toronto as a small assembly of Italian Christians led by Rev. Ferdinando Zaffuto and Rev. Luigi Ippolito. Known as the “Assemblea Cristiana”, the gatherings started in 1922 at 193 Montrose Avenue. In 1956, a new church building was erected at 686 Ossington Avenue, Toronto to house a group from the growing church, which became known as “Assemblea Cristiana Pentecostale Italiana (ACPI)”. Pastored by Rev. Ferdinando Zaffuto until his death in February 1968, the independent church reached out primarily to Toronto’s Italian community. 

Rev. John Totafurno served as pastor from 1968 to 1984, and Rev. Gino Zucchi took over from February 1985 to February 1991.  Under Rev. Zucchi’s leadership, ACPI expanded to Woodbridge Ontario and became known first as Woodbridge Pentecostal Church and then as Bethel Pentecostal Church. Around that time, the ACPI formalized its affiliation with the Italian Pentecostal Church of Canada, now known as the Canadian Assemblies of God (CAOG) and became know as Ossington Pentecostal Church (OPC). In May 1992, Rev. Giulio Gabeli was installed as pastor followed by pastor Joseph Romita for a one-year term and then by pastor Ed Grasso ending in January 2002. As an answer to prayers, the church grew to embrace many other ethnic groups in the surrounding communities. 

Rev. David Quackenbush moved from Montreal with his wife Angela in February 2003 and pastored the church with a strong commitment to a cross-cultural ministry, spirit of growth, and discipling. After years at OPC, our church building underwent a huge renovation from 2020- 2022.

On January 3rd, 2022, Pastor David went home to be with the Lord. Pastor Kara continued to preach and lead our church through that season for two years. OPC was so blessed by both of their ministries and faithfulness. 

In September of 2024 we welcomed Pastor Gionathan Brasiello and his wife Michaela and three children to OPC. As he begins this new chapter with us, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. Pastor Gionathan brings a deep love for the Lord, a heart for people, and a passion for sharing the Gospel. We look forward to growing together in faith, worship, and fellowship under his leadership. Please join us in warmly embracing him and his family as they settle into their new home here at OPC — we are so blessed to have them with us!