Kilcona Park Alliance Church was,
in a very unique sense, God's idea. As a student at Asbury
Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky, Ken Johnston, a native of
Ireland, had been accepted by the Christian and Missionary Alliance
in 1975 as an approved candidate for ministry. Sensing a call from
God to minister in Winnipeg, the newly graduated student drove to
Winnipeg in total faith to God's call. Upon arriving, Ken was
supported by the Alliance in his desire to launch a new Alliance
church in the northeast part of the city.
Central Alliance Church, now known as First Alliance Church,
graciously supported the new work giving the fledgling church
several families to help get started. On Sunday February 1st 1976,
services commenced in Donwood Elementary School under the name of
Springfield Alliance Church.
In June 1976, the church moved to Maple Leaf School on McIvor
Avenue, and used that facility until April 1984, when our current
building was officially opened. By this time, the church had grown
to approximately 250 people and with a new facility was ready to
expand its ministry.
Upon moving to the new building, the name was changed to
Kil-Cona Park Alliance Church, giving greater identification to its
location. Over the next decade, the congregation grew in size
because of the focus on evangelism and outreach into their
community. The church was characterized by dynamic worship, a
friendly atmosphere, and effective programs for youth and children.
On Sundays the church was holding two services with a total
attendance of 700.
Beginning in 1995, a number of conflicting visions resulted
in a number of families leaving Kilcona Park Alliance Church. As a
result, God used some of the people from Kilcona to begin a new
independent church, which has since become known as Riverwood Church
Community.
After several years of rebuilding, a group of 70 people under
the leadership of their youth pastor was commissioned by the church
and the Alliance District to plant a new Alliance church in the West
Kildonan area, which is known today at The Lighthouse.
In the spring of 2002, the founding pastor, Ken Johnston
resigned, sensing after 27 years of effective ministry that God was
now calling him into other fields of ministry.
Ken, his wife Susan and their family stepped out in faith to
start a new church in Virginia, USA. Ken's leaving marked a
significant time of transition for Kilcona Park Alliance church as
they sought God's direction for their future.
In July 2003, Bruce Adams arrived with his family to assume
the role of senior pastor.
The congregation and leadership team are sensing a growing
excitement and anticipation of what God is going to lead us into in
the future.
