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Hi-Way is a family church that cares about people. We believe that a church should be “all about a relationship”-connecting with one another, and ultimately with God.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING - CELEBRATING THE PAST Hi-Way Pentecostal Church, like most Pentecostal churches, is the direct result of a Divine, latter day outpouring of the Holy Spirit which occurred during the early 1900's in many parts of the world. In 1916, a man whose name is now forgotten, opened a little mission at the corner of Owen and Collier Streets in downtown Barrie. Without any formal organization, many people gathered to fellowship and worship the Lord. The first documented evidence of the Barrie assembly was found in the first publication of the Pentecostal Testimony (1920), which lists Barrie among twenty-seven other cooperating fellowships in the country. In the '20's and '30's, many itinerant preachers and singers came to the area. They were usually young men full of the Holy Spirit, faith, and enthusiasm. Services and prayer meetings were held in homes, upstairs halls, and store-front buildings. A fresh wind of the Spirit was blowing and an air of expectancy was present every time people came together. During The Great Depression, the assembly was unable to support a pastor. In their place, Spirit-filled laymen took up the leadership so that the work could continue. In 1935, the economy began to improve and Rev. Bill Hines was brought in to bring leadership to the church. The congregation grew steadily and in 1936 Charles Graham became the pastor. Formal affiliation came in 1942 when the first congregational business meeting was held in the home of Charles Graham on Penetang Street. Twelve members present voted to affiliate with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. In the same year, a building on Mulcaster Street was purchased for $7500. The church became known as The Full Gospel Assembly and Rev. Glen Ball became the church's pastor. The assembly continued to flourish and in 1963 the present property was acquired and Hi-Way Pentecostal Church was built under the leadership of Rev. George Tunks. In 1967, a large tent was purchased and for the next ten years tent meetings were an annual event. Many souls were saved and baptized in the Spirit during these meetings which are still talked about to this day. In 1974, as the church continued to grow, it became necessary to enlarge the sanctuary. At the same time education and office wings were built. The dedication service for the new additions was held in February 1975 under the direction of Rev. Richard Green. In 1981, Hi-Way founded Innisfil Community Church in Stroud, a community south of Barrie. Since then, Hi-Way has assisted in establishing churches in Bradford and Stayner, and continues to assist new works throughout the district. In each case, members living in those areas were encouraged to attend and support these fledgling endeavours. All are flourishing assemblies today.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING - APPRECIATING THE PRESENT On Mother's Day 1987 two of our elderly mothers, Mrs. Christina Micks and Mrs. Jean Bulmer, turned the first sod for the new 750 seat sanctuary. Nine months later, on February 21, 1988, the new sanctuary, fellowship hall, foyer, and the renovated former building were dedicated under the pastorate of Rev. Wm. F. Bond. In 1992, the church celebrated its 50th Anniversary of its formal incorporation and affiliation with the P.A.O.C. During the next three years that followed, the church experienced rapid growth under the leadership of Rev. Mark Hazzard. World and Home Missions became a primary focus for the church. Besides raising funds, church members participated in overseas mission trips to England and Central America. Under the leadership of Rev. Tom Quinn and the other Barrie pastors, Mapleview Community Church was built in the city's south end. Now under the leadership of Rev. Jay Davis, Mapleview Community Church is a growing and exciting assembly. Presently, under the leadership of Rev. Todd Manuel and staff, Hi-Way Pentecostal Church is continuing to reach out to the city of Barrie with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING - ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE As for the future, it promises to be very exciting for the family of God at Hi-Way. From the days of the early revivals to the tent meeting services, right up to the present, God has proven Himself to be faithful. He has blessed the labour of the saints and has brought countless souls to the altar. As every new year appears on the horizon, it is matched with a new desire to see God pour out His Holy Spirit. As Pastor Todd leads this assembly into the years to follow, Hi-Way Church will continue to be a house of worship, instruction, fellowship, prayer, and evangelism in the city of Barrie. Hi-Way Church endeavours to reach homes in Barrie with the good news of Jesus Christ. Joining together with other churches, we hope to gather in the harvest before His soon return. With your help, we can do great things for God! The storied life of Hi-Way Pentecostal Church is still being written today. In truth, time will only tell what God intends to do, not as He unfolds our story, but as He unfolds “HIStory” in the community of Barrie. We are now once again at a new beginning of God’s plan just as the days when a small group of 12 people gathered in a house on Penetang St. The move to Crown Hill will be the 7th “new beginning” in our… or should we say, “HIStory”. Even more so. We look forward to great things ahead. After 60-plus years we look forward to continue reaching out, not only to this community for Jesus, but to have a hand in reaching the world. With the missionaries and ministries that we support through our church every day, Hi-Way now literally ministers around the world to lost and hurting people telling them the good news of Jesus Christ. It is very fitting that no one can recall the name of the man who gathered a small group of people together in a little mission at the corner of Owen and Collier Streets in downtown Barrie for meetings way back in 1916. Fitting because, at the end of it all, with all the plans and efforts of men and women there is really only one name that matters anyway... Jesus Christ.
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