The First Forty Years
From a grapevine in a Toronto back garden to a ministry on three continents.
The eighties: doctrine
The meeting in 1983, the first lesson in 1985, the first Passover in 1986, Earlscourt in 1987, and in 1989 the arrival of Elder Michael Hinds, who brought a circle of young people to the teaching and later led the Atlanta branch for twenty-one years.
The nineties: books, constitution and altar
The Truth, the Lie and the Bible appeared in 1990, the first Israelite book, alongside the constitution accepted by the Government of Canada on 20 July and the writing of the Israelite pledge. The first Saturday service at Earlscourt followed on 27 July 1991, and The Forgotten Israelites that December. In January 1992 Elder Shadrock spoke at Toronto’s Harbourfront on the 400 years; baptisms began that summer at Camp Wesceneaskin. The first Israelite child was born in 1993 and the flag established the same year. The Spirit of Egypt in America followed in 1995. Purim and the Feast of Dedication were formally established in 1997, and the coat of arms in 1998.
The 2000s: branches
Branches were established in Atlanta, London, New York and New Jersey, and Missouri. The S. N. Porter Academy opened in 2004. The Journey premiered, and has run for more than twenty-one years.
2009 to 2015: Sabbath, home and emblem
The true Sabbath day was confirmed in 2009 after years of study. The ministry settled permanently at 202 Bentworth Avenue in 2010, and the Golden Emblem of Solomon was established in 2015.
2019 onward: remembrance
In August 2019 the ministry partnered with the City of Hampton, Virginia, for the 400th anniversary of the arrival at Point Comfort; the Remember The 400 Foundation followed in 2020. In July 2025 the fortieth anniversary was marked over three days in North York.