Global Kingdom Ministries celebrates 60th anniversary

In 1956, Rev. Roy E. Upton had a vision to bring the message of faith to as many people as possible. He met with his followers in a bowling alley on Kennedy Road in Scarborough (Scarboro Gospel Temple) and began drive-in Sunday services amplified to about 100 cars in a Dominion parking lot.

Today, his legacy is known as Global Kingdom Ministries. Situated on 11 acres at 1250 Markham Rd. in Scarborough, the organization has 12 pastors on staff and attracts nearly 1,900 attendees every week for Sunday services.

Festivities to celebrate Global Kingdom Ministries’ 60th anniversary will take place throughout the month of May, culminating in a banquet at the Brighton Convention Centre.

Among the highlights of this milestone year is the launch of Trinity Ravine Towers, a 55-plus faith-based lifestyle community available through a market value life lease.

“We’re very excited about the concept behind Trinity Ravine Towers condominiums,” says Kern Kalideen, executive pastor of administration and finance. “This residence is the epitome of immersion in faith-based living.”

The condos will consist of two highrise towers, connected by a four-storey amenity podium. The amenities will include wellness and fitness facilities, entertainment venues, a computer lab and a dining room.

According to Pastor Kern, owners will pay a monthly occupancy fee that will cover maintenance, administration and a reserve fund overseen by the board of Global Kingdom Ministries.

There is even more to celebrate when it comes to Global Kingdom Ministries living out Rev. Upton’s dream. “The physical attendance at our Sunday services is only part of our ministry,” says Pastor Kern. “Our live stream has reached people in 32 countries in five continents. We consider ourselves a home base that mobilizes believers everywhere and helps them achieve their God-given destiny. And interest in Trinity Ravine Towers has been very encouraging since we are hearing from people who want to actually live out their years within our home-base community.”

This charitable organization branches into smaller groups to meet the needs of diverse members. In addition to the 15 pastors, and 18 administration and custodian employees on staff, Global Kingdom Ministries relies on approximately 700 volunteers to make it all happen... and what happens covers every stage of life from babies to seniors.

Global Kingdom Ministries touches on the greater definition of community in countless ways, taking part in weddings and baptisms, working with local partners like 5n2 Foods who helped them serve over 30,000 meals in 2015, offering workshops, counselling, retreats and more.

Every Sunday in May, Global Kingdom Ministries will celebrate a different element of its legacy, ending with the banquet on May 28, when the internationally-renowned vocal group Cana’s Voice, will entertain.