History

Early in 1952, a team of Bible College students led by the Dean of Students, converged on Reservoir for a Tent Mission. The site of that historic Tent Mission is now occupied by a Returned Serviceman's League Club near the Reservoir Railway Station. Soon afterward, in Murray Road, Preston, a hall where local fishermen held regular Saturday evening meetings became the meeting place for a small group of Christians. When they arrived on Sundays it smelt of beer and cigarettes. It was boiling hot in the summer - but in the winter we had the luxury of an open log fireplace. Over the door was a stuffed fish... with its beady eyes peering down upon them. And how inappropriate that sign over the fireplace - "Please Put The Fire Out When You Leave!" It may have been wise advice concerning the literal fire on the hearth - but here were a group of dedicated Pentecostals with a spiritual fire in their hearts - and there was no way that would be extinguished when the service concluded for the day. By 1953 the Sunday School Anniversary saw the place packed with children and an invitation was extended to Jim Sharman to become the first pastor of this expanding work. the work continued to grow. It was obvious that the Angler's Hall was a temporary situation. Eyes of faith turned to Reservoir where the purchase of two blocks of land had become possible in the Broadway. The bank manager looked quizzically at this unheard-of religious group and refused a loan. But faith-filled believers are not discouraged that easily! The land was paid off by the faithful few. That, of course, was just the start! It was not much use having the land without a building upon it. By 1957 red-gum stumps were being delivered and volunteer labourers were busy digging holes. It was 1965 when the Sharman family moved on. And to the pastorate came A. T. Davidson for about nine or ten months. Then came - Colin White, a recent graduate from Commonwealth Bible College.

In 1969 George and Nancy Forbes ministered to this congregation. He brought a strong missionary emphasis to the church. Ron George and Ron Sharman also worked with George Forbes during the early 1970s. In 1972 Ron George took over the leadership of this work. Then to the pastorate came Tony and Eunice Hallo. They saw a remarkable move of the Spirit of God during his eight year ministry. It is probably correct to say that the Pentecostal churches throughout Australia saw a remarkable - perhaps 'miraculous' is the word - resurgence of spiritual life during these years. The Broadway property was soon too small for the 150 or more worshippers. A move was made to a Church of Christ that had closed due to the fact that only four or five attended. But in no time this building also proved inadequate! Cinema North was rented for the Sunday services. Tony & Eunice resigned to accept a teaching position at Commonwealth Bible College. The Church Officers prayed and discussed the new challenge.

An invitation was issued to Denis and Gwen Smith, pastors of Calvary Community Church, Adelaide. In February 1981, they arrived to head up the work. A nine acre property had been purchased in McLeans Road, Bundoora. Gradually the new vision took shape. Ten thousand truck loads of soil and 70 truck loads of rocks were brought to the property. It was transformed from unattractive paddock to what it is today - a place where the church can provide its many ministries. As much as there was an emphasis on buildings, Pastor and Mrs. Smith believed it was more important to equip the people of God. "Together We Possess!" became one of the early slogans. The biblical basis of the Church was documented.

Today, Northside Christian Centre is a local church established under the headship of Jesus Christ and in fellowship with the Assemblies of God in Australia. They have planted many daughter churches around Melbourne while maintaining a strong world missions vision. Northside Christian College provides ministry for children from Christian families.

The responsibilities of leadership were handed over to John Spinella in 1998. John had served as the Associate Pastor for many years. He is the present Senior Pastor, with a passion to reach people for Christ. John and Lois are leading the church into the next level of its destiny. In addressing itself to the multi-cultural needs of Melbourne, the church believes in the truths expressed by the Apostle Paul who said "For you are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus." [Galatians 3:26-28].

Northside is a multi-generational and multi-national community united by biblical and radical faith.