Fonds - Western Ontario District fonds

The structure of the Western Ontario District began with the creation of the PAOC in 1919. In 1920, the leadership and churches agreed to join the Assemblies of God in the United States as the Eastern Canadian District Council in an effort to provide stability for the new denomination. Various difficulties arose and in 1922 the Eastern Canadian District Council amicably parted from the Assemblies of God. It was at that time that the western churches, previously forming the Western Canadian District Council of the Assemblies of God, also parted with the Assemblies of God and joined the PAOC. From 1922 to 1932 there was one single District in Ontario, but two superintendents representing eastern and western Ontario. The Western Ontario District was officially established in 1932. In 1934, Eastern Ontario and Quebec sought to amalgamate again with Western Ontario. Western Ontario rejected the offer, although they agreed to hold joint conventions. The two Districts consulted with each other on issues such as Bible schools. By 1948, Northwestern Ontario formed part of the Manitoba District and it became known as the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario District. The current organizational structure of the PAOC divides Canada into eight districts: British Columbia and Yukon, Alberta and Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, Western Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. A District Conference is composed of all the credential holders in the district and lay delegates from local congregations. Under the authority of the General Conference, the District Conferences through the District offices serve the autonomous assemblies (local churches) and credential holders in their region. Their responsibilities include examining and ordaining ministers. Each district elects its own officers and committees, establishes departments and institutions as needed, and holds property in trust as required. There is an elected District Superintendent and in most cases, other officers such as an Assistant Superintendent and a District Secretary/Treasurer. The districts are divided into Sections or Zones which elect a credential holder to serve as a Presbyter and member of the District Executive. Either appointed district staff or pastors serving local assemblies are selected to facilitate a variety of ministries in the district such as youth ministries, men's ministries, evangelism, church ministries, and so forth. The District Executive gives oversight to the general business and work of the district. It is exercises discipline over its credential holders when written allegations have been received.