Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada (ACPC)

On October 25, 1921, Franklin Small (48) and a band of believers who could no longer remain within the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada sought a lawful path forward by securing a Dominion charter for the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada. The charter anchored their work in public accountability, giving congregations recognized standing while they pursued spiritual fidelity. Their founding conviction was that the church must hold together holiness of life, Spirit-empowered witness, and faithful order under Christ.

Franklin Small

Small is remembered as a steady organizer in a turbulent season, willing to bear misunderstanding to preserve conscience and biblical conviction. His leadership showed a rare blend of firmness and restraint: separating without delighting in separation, and building without scorning those who differed. In the language of the churches that followed, this was not the heroism of spectacle but of endurance—choosing prayer, discipline, and patient shepherding when easier options existed.

1921 Charter and the Cost of Separation

The 1921 step required courage and humility. Rather than drifting into confusion, these believers pursued a clear, legal structure that could safeguard doctrine, provide ministerial oversight, and protect congregational life. Their aim was not novelty but faithfulness—calling people to repentance, holy living, and a Spirit-filled testimony. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). That witness was to be practiced without disorder: “But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

1953 Union and Prairie Witness

In 1953, the ACPC joined with the Evangelical Churches of Pentecost, strengthening a shared work that continued to mature across Canada’s prairie provinces. The union served local congregations by deepening cooperation in preaching, missions, and pastoral care, while encouraging a steady gospel presence in rural communities and growing towns. The enduring legacy is a network of churches still calling Canadians to Christ—holding fast to Scripture, pursuing a clean and compassionate life, and trusting the Holy Spirit to empower faithful ministry from generation to generation.