Our History
From the first lessons at Hallam Street to a worldwide ministry: a story of teaching, worship, community and restoration.
This account draws on C. D. Ford’s The Bridge, A Bridge to Cross, and the Israelite Calendar’s historical collection. The books preserve the ministry’s chronology and the personal accounts of those who helped establish it.
1983–1985: From music to the first lessons
Elder Shadrock Porter and Antonio (Tony) Castrilli first met through their work in music in 1983. The first doctrinal lesson followed in 1985, under the grapevine at Castrilli’s home. Gatherings at 121 Hallam Street in Toronto became the beginning of the ministry’s teaching in Canada.
Source: The Bridge, “1983: First Meeting” and “1985: Hallam St and the Doctrine”; A Bridge to Cross, “Elder Tony Castrilli”.
1986–1989: A community takes shape
The ministry kept its first Passover in 1986. Elder Castrilli developed its calendar from an early cut-and-paste compilation into a continuing work of research and publication. Earlscourt was purchased in 1987. Elder Michael Hinds joined in 1989 and introduced a circle of young people to the teachings; his account in A Bridge to Cross describes study groups, questions and the movement between homes as the congregation grew.
Source: The Bridge, entries for 1986–1989; A Bridge to Cross, Elder Michael Hinds’s account.
1990–1991: Publications, constitution and Earlscourt
The Truth, the Lie and the Bible appeared in 1990 as a historical guide and Bible companion. The Bridge records acceptance of the Israelite constitution on July 20, 1990, and the writing of the Israelite pledge that year. After a short period at Bloor Street, the first Saturday service at Earlscourt took place on July 27, 1991. The Forgotten Israelites was published on December 1, 1991.
Source: The Bridge, entries for 1990 and 1991.
1992–1993: Public teaching and community traditions
On January 15, 1992, Elder Shadrock spoke at Toronto’s Harbourfront during a Martin Luther King Day celebration, addressing Israelite identity and the 400 years. His baptism took place at Camp Wesceneaskin on June 28, 1992, with further baptisms that summer. A Bridge to Cross preserves the participants’ accounts of these events. The Word, the Israelites, and the Damned followed in 1993, bringing together Elder’s teaching and contributions from developing writers.
Source: The Bridge, entries for 1992–1993; A Bridge to Cross, “The First Baptism”.
1995–2000: Writing, education and established practices
The Spirit of Egypt in America was published on December 29, 1995, written by Elder Michael Hinds and Elder Tony Castrilli, with Elder Shadrock’s inspiration and editing. Youth groups supported education and leadership. The ministry established itself at the Accord Centre in 1997; its coat of arms followed in 1998. The Bridge records marriage-officiant licensing and a community burial plot in 1999. Its 2000 entry records The Spirit, the Passion and the Blood: A Nicky Porter Story, recounting Elder’s early life in Guyana.
Source: The Bridge, entries for 1995–2000.
2002–2007: Branches and new places of gathering
The move to St. Regis Street took place on July 27, 2002. The Bridge describes branches and groups developing between 2002 and 2007 in the United Kingdom, New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Florida, the Caribbean and St. Louis. S. N. Porter Academy was established in 2004. A period at Keele Street preceded the full move to 2080 Dufferin Street in December 2007. These are historical locations and groups; current visiting information is listed separately under Visit & Contact.
Source: The Bridge, entries for 2002–2007.
2009–2015: Worship and a permanent home
The Bridge records the announcement of the ministry’s Sabbath teaching in September 2009, following years of study. The calendar project records the permanent headquarters at 202 Bentworth Avenue in 2010 and the Golden Emblem of Solomon in 2015. These milestones connect the ministry’s teaching, its place of worship and its visual identity.
Source: The Bridge, “2009: True Sabbath Day”; Israelite Calendar, INWWM-era historical records.
2019 onward: Remembering and teaching through the arts
The calendar’s historical collection records Remember the 400 and The Journey in Hampton, Virginia, in 2019, followed by the Remember The 400 Foundation in 2020. The Bridge connects the commemoration with the ministry’s understanding of identity and restoration. The calendar also records the 40th-anniversary celebration and GAPAS weekend in July 2025. Music, theatre, publications and education continue to carry the ministry’s story.
Source: The Bridge, “400 Years in the Making”; Israelite Calendar, historical records for 2019, 2020 and 2025.
The Huldah Academic Legacy Awards
Full criteria and how to apply →
Established by the INWWM Education Division, the Huldah Academic Legacy Awards recognise Israelites who excel in academic pursuits, contribute to the Israelite family and embody Israelite values. The awards are given at four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the Elder Shadrock Leadership Award. They are named for Huldah the prophetess, to whom the king’s servants were sent when the book of the law was found.
Nominations open during the Feast of Tabernacles and the awards are presented at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, binding the ministry’s educational work to its appointed times.
Source: INWWM Education Division; Israelite Calendar, historical records.
The 40th Anniversary, 2025
In July 2025 the Genesis Advance Performing Arts Society hosted the ministry’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Weekend in North York, Ontario. The first day held a historical exhibition of multimedia artifacts and archival footage tracing forty years. The second brought a performance of The Journey before a capacity audience. The third closed with a grand cultural celebration of music, dance, food and fellowship.
Elder Shadrock Porter wrote, produced and directed the weekend’s production. It marked four decades from the first lessons at Hallam Street to a ministry with branches on three continents.
Source: Israelite Calendar, historical record for July 2025.