• Membership at FAC

Fairview Alliance Church 
West Island Montreal Quebec Canada 
Christian and Missionary Alliance In Canada

FAC History 101

WHO WE ARE?

• FAC is a progressive church in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination located in a residential area on the West Island of Montreal. 
• FAC follows the fundamental beliefs in Jesus Christ expressed in the C&MA Statement of Faith. 
• We are a multi-cultural congregation made up of predominantly middle-aged people, the majority of whom are women. 
• The people who attend FAC come from a demographically widespread area and have a unique blend of denominational backgrounds. 
• We are unified by Christ and focus on the Grace of God. 
• We share our building with a French C & MA congregation, an Iranian Christian Congregation, and a full time Christian Academy. 
• We have a desire to develop and grow spiritually and increase our ministry and service for the Lord.

FAC HISTORY

FAC is blessed to have one of the founding members of its church still worshipping and actively participating at FAC. Mr. Fred J. Tabah, now an elder emeritus has provided the history of FAC from when the seed was planted in early 1965. At that time Mr. Fred J. Tabah, along with Mr. Ed Walcott and Mr. Lew Edwards (also founding members) opened their homes for weekly prayer and Bible study. As interest and attendance increased, a Founding Committee was formed to begin a work in the Montreal, West Island area. A parsonage was purchased for Al & Ruth McNally, who were sponsored by the C & MA to direct the new work. The first church service was held on March 20, 1966 at the Lakeshore YMCA in Pointe Claire. The McNally's ministered through August 1968. That same year the work moved to the Greendale Elementary School in Pierrefonds. Gary and Diane White arrived in the spring of 1969 and the church officially became The Fairview Alliance Church on October 4, 1969 with the support of 24 Charter Members.

During the period 1967-1973, the average Sunday attendance remained constant at approximately 50 persons. The congregation came to the realization that if the church were to flourish and grow, it would have to become a permanent part of the community. Therefore, in early 1973, the membership approved the purchase of a small church building at 220 Hyman Drive, Dollard des Ormeaux that remains the location of FAC today.

The Whites left in August 1974 and for several months FAC grew under the ministry of Rev. Gordon & Myrtle Wisehart. Then under the leadership of Rev. John A. Fitzstevens, who came to FAC in 1975, the congregation was further challenged to expand its ministry. With the untiring support of Esther Fitzstevens and their 4 children, Rev. Fitzstevens was instrumental in establishing a Vietnamese Church in Montreal, while at the same time pasturing the flock at FAC.

As the congregation continued to grow spiritually and numerically, the small church facilities became inadequate to meet the needs of the FAC family and the West-Island community. Accordingly, in January 1976, Church Growth International, a professional consulting firm was retained to study the FAC needs and potential. Subsequently, a long-range plan was adopted, designed to facilitate practical implementation of the Great Commission of our Lord and the Biblical principles of discipleship and growth within the community. Implementation of the FAC Plan for Church Growth involved enlarging the existing facility to accommodate 250 people in a balanced, functional program. Starting with a Stewardship of Life Program, a concentrated effort was made to help each church family personally and honestly consider the Spirit-controlled management of their time, abilities and financial resources.

Ruth Sanders joined the staff for a two-year period in September 1977, expanding our neighborhood ministries. The Fitzstevens left for Hong Kong in April 1977 and FAC was again blessed with the ministry of Gordon and Myrtle Weshart for two months. In June 1979, Douglas Tabah, and his wife Judi Schroeder-Tabah, began a one-year term as Assistant Pastor. The new facilities were completed and dedicated on May 25, 1980. From 1980 to 1989 FAC was blessed with the leadership of Reverend Ray Deitz and his wife Anita, Reverend Lee Penner and Assistant Adrian Robichaud, and Reverend Paul Robinson, all of whom served to minister to the FAC family and the West Island community.

Reverend Ed Silvas, a former missionary to Gabon, served as pastor to FAC from 1990-1994 followed by Danny Baeitz from 1994-1996.

In July 1996, David Smith, his wife Barb and family arrived from western Canada. They answered God's call to serve in Quebec at Fairview Alliance Church. This began the longest ministry period in FAC history. During Pastor Dave's eight and a half year ministry FAC grew and continued to strive to bring the gospel message to the West-island community and beyond. Renovations were made to the building after it was damaged during the 1998 ice storm. Along with FAC's own thriving ministries, para-ministries were encouraged to use the facility such as a French Alliance Church, an Iranian Church, Cedar Christian Academy, and SOUL Chorale. The facility was also rented out to community groups such as AA and Al Anon.

WHAT ARE OUR STRENGTHS?

· Christ is the center of our church
· We are a caring and benevolent people
· The building is structurally sound and well kept
· Regularly attended weekly Wednesday evening prayer meetings
· Excellent Minister of Music who oversees several worship teams
· Amazing Sunday morning worship
· Growing youth ministry - Graceland Children's Ministry - that is attracting young families
· Freedom to express individual worship styles
· Good leadership base of people who are called to serve as leaders
· Open to para-ministries sharing the facilities