The present building's lifespan ranges from March 1978 to the present.

Founded in 1941 by Charles Bradley Templeton (1941 - 1948), an itinerant evangelist, under the Nazarene denomination. Services began in a large stone church on Avenue Road, with approximately 112 people in attendance. The church was eventually named The Avenue Road Church. Rev. J.D. Carlson (1948 - 1951), a former American evangelist, took over from Charles Templeton. In 1950 the church became affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, which began a strong emphasis on missions within the church.

Rev. Donald Shepson (1952 - 1959) focused on building a family oriented congregation. Then Rev. Dr. Aiden Wilson (A.W.) Tozer (1959 - 1963), a self taught theologian, avid reader, writer, editor of Alliance Witness magazine became Senior Pastor. A.W. Tozer's books have ministered in many languages to millions of Christians. Rev. Kenn Opperman (1963 - 1970), a missionary leader emphasized the needs of the mission field in new and innovative ways: he later returned to Bayview Glen Church in 1992-1993 to provide leadership on an interim basis after Reimer's resignation.

The Rev. Arnold Reimer (1970 - 1991) gave the strong motivational leadership necessary to relocate the congregation from Avenue Road Church to its present location in Thornhill, ON, Canada. In 1973 Avenue Road Church was sold, 6.2 acres of land at the corner of Bayview and Steeles Avenues in Thornhill was purchased. The first service in our present building was held in March 1978. Pastor Reimer led the congregation for 21 years (until 31 July 1991).

The Rev. Dr. Nelson J. Annan, D.Min. (1994 - 2006) led the church into two morning services, the completion of our building and the birthing of our daughter church - Summit Community Church in Richmond Hill, ON, Canada, under the direction of Rev. Gerry Gould. Rev. Annan's tenure in Bayview Glen included the creation of a third service (Higher Ground) that takes place at 11:15am in the gymnasium, with a cook providing bacon and eggs in the Higher Ground cafe. Since his arrival, the facilities in Bayview Glen have been opened up a lot more conventions and fellowship gatherings. Annan resigned by the end of April 2006 and got accepted as a Senior Pastor in a Missionary Alliance church in Calgary, AB, Canada. Summit Community Church's leading pastor Gerry Gould's father the Rev. Robert "Bob" Gould, a long time missionary in Thailand, has taken over as the Interim Teaching/Preaching Pastor.

As of 2006, the Board of Elders restructured the senior pastoral post forming a leadership triad: The Lead Pastor (LP), The Teaching/Preaching Pastor (TPP), and The Administrative Pastor (AP). The search is currently in progress for a LP, with Bob Gould as the Interim-TPP, and the Rev. David Loucks as the AP.

Today, Bayview Glen Church is one of the pre-eminent evangelical churches in the Toronto area, and one of the largest Christian and Missionary Alliance congregations in Canada. It has 2 main services in the morning: the Contemporary Service (at 9:15am), and the Traditional Service (at 11:15am). There is a third service (Higher Ground) that takes place at 11:15am in the gymnasium, with a cook providing bacon and eggs in the Higher Ground cafe.

Programmes and Ministries

Adult Bible Classes
(Adult classes on Sunday mornings are designed to help you mature spiritually.)

Alpha (Sundays 7pm)

Meet in the Higher Ground Café for brunch before going into class. The Alpha Course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening manner. Listen, learn , discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile.

Alpha 2 – A Life Worth Living (Sundays 9:15am)

Meet in the Higher Ground Café for brunch before going into class. Videos by Nicky Gumbel on the Book of Philippians. Each talk explains how it is possible to live the Christian life positively, practically and joyfully and is aimed specifically at those who are starting out in the Christian life.

Alpha 4 – Heart of Revival (Sundays 9:15am)

Meet in the Higher Ground Café for brunch before going into class. Audios by Nicky Gumbel on Isaiah 40-66. A good study for anyone interested in the Old Testament and useful as a follow-up to the previous Alpha Courses.

Adult Bible Class (Location: The HUB, Sundays 9:15am)

Join us as we explore the fascinating Book of Philippians together. You will enjoy quality teaching, opportunities for discussion, as well as great fellowship and refreshments.

Share Your Faith Training (Location: Senior High Room, Sundays 9:15am)

Do you have a desire to become more effective in sharing your faith one-to-one with family, friends and neighbours? Have you experienced the joy that comes from sharing the truth with love, and without fear? Would you like to be able to use God’s wisdom to respond to those tough questions? Here is an opportunity to get started.

Higher Ground (Location: the gymnasium, Sundays 11:15am)

Higher Ground meets in a café type atmosphere located in the gymnasium. There is a short video presentation, followed by table discussion and group participation, all in a friendly "speak if you wish, just listen if you prefer" venue. We welcome you to join us at HIGHER GROUND and explore the reality of God at your own pace, with no pressure and no strings attached.

Fusion 4:12 (young adults ages 24-35)

Fusion 4:12 is a Tuesday night small group bible study for young career and professionals between ages 24 and 35. Refreshments begin the evening at 7:15 p.m. followed by a time of prayer, video bible study, and discussion. Come join us on a Tuesday night, and for any of the many social events, movies, dinners, and games nights planned throughout the year.

C.A.P.s (Careers and Professionals)

This group is for singles and young married couples (without children) ages 30 who meet every other week for Bible studies and prayer. Their purpose is to encourage spiritual nourishment and growth through small groups Bible studies, prayer, video series, community service and various social events. Newcomers are always welcome!

1. Worship: On alternate Tuesdays, starting at 7:30 p.m., C.A.P.s meet for worship before the teaching begins.

2. Gym Nights: On the last Friday of each month, starting at 7:30 p.m., C.A.P.s meet in Bayview Glen’s Gym for competitive and non-competitive games of basketball, volleyball and floor hockey. Those who don’t wish to play can enjoy table games and conversation in the foyer.

3. Sanctuary: On the second Saturday of each month, C.A.P.s helps serve breakfast to some of Toronto’s homeless at Sanctuary. Sanctuary is an inner city mission at 25 Charles Street, near Bloor and Yonge.

4. Socials: On the third Saturday of each month, C.A.P.s gets together for some fun and fellowship. Events will vary with the seasons.

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Small Groups
(Small Groups provide a way for people to connect in a caring community where they can study God’s Word, pray together, encourage and reach out to one another. These groups meet through the week in homes or at the church.)

1. Women's Bible Studies (in Bayview Glen)

Community Bible Study (Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.)

Community Bible Study (CBS) is a non-denominational, in-depth Bible study for women of all background and levels of Bible knowledge. An excellent pre-school children’s program is available for mothers while they participate in CBS.

Women’s Bible Study (Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.)

A fun and friendly Bible study on Thursday mornings for women. This Fall, we will be continuing our study of the Book of Daniel. Newcomers are always welcome!

Women of Purpose (Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.)

Women of Purpose is a group of women varying in age who gather for fellowship, prayer and discussion recognizing that God has met us where we are at this moment in our lives, but loves us too much to leave us there.

Moms Morning Out (Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.)

A special time of fun, encouragement and learning for moms of pre-school children. Childcare is provided.

2. Men's Bible Studies (in Bayview Glen)

Men’s Breakfast Groups (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 a.m.)

These groups, which meet in local restaurants, are designed for men who want to enrich their relationship with God and grow in their faith. The Thursday group is specifically for men who want to bring friends who are seeking to know God.

Men in Motion (Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.)

Men in Motion study various topics and move into small groups for discussion and prayer. Join this weekly group to study the Bible, grow as Christian men and influence the world for Christ.